bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Adsorption Materials for their Application as Perspiration-absorbing Textiles
Authors: Corberán J.M. , Verde M. , Gil M. , Martinez N.
Published: January 2010

Research work was undertaken with the aim of developing a garment containing adsorbent materials, which are characterized by their high adsorption capacity, that could be applied in a textile to absorb a user’s sweat, in order to eliminate possible external sweat spots as well as improving user thermal comfort. The research covered the characterization of the employed adsorbent materials, the development of adequate prototype garments and their testing on a subject. Two prototypes (in the form of a vest) were made containing different adsorbent materials. Several types of adsorbent materials were evaluated. SG B 127 and Rhapid Sheet Silica Gel were selected as the best options to apply in the sweat-absorbing textile of the vest. The user, a director of an orchestra, wearing the prototype under his suit was exposed to 30°C/80% RH ambient in a climatic chamber and performed for 35 min, simulating real working conditions. Microclimate temperatures and humidity at the most interesting points under the suit were recorded. Simultaneously, heart rate and thermal sensation votes were also recorded. The experimental results showed that the prototypes had the capacity to absorb the exuded water vapor and fully eliminate sweat spots. However, the prototype turned out to generate a considerable warming effect on the covered body areas. This effect, mainly due to the reaction heat released during the adsorption process, was expected but it turned out to be more intensive than thought.
Predicting Seam Opening Behavior of Woven Seat Fabrics
Authors: Yildirim Kenan
Published: January 2010

The slippage-based opening at the seam line occurs on the woven fabrics due to movement in the fabric of the weft yarns over warp yarns (or warp yarns over weft yarns) at a sewn seam during utilization. Recurrent sitting down and standing up or continuously sitting down produces a load at the seam line and causes transverse strain at stitch rows. Owing to this strain, displacement (seam slippage) of the stitch could occur, leading to opening in the fabric at the seam line. This study is focused on constructing a system which is based on a non-linear regression mathematical model to predict the seam opening properties of woven fabric within two different seam opening standard test methods. The first is the fixed load test method; the other is dynamic seam fatigue. The physical properties of the fabric and stitch density play important roles in the seam opening of the seat fabric. The number of weft yarns per unit length, yarn linear density and stitch density were selected as influential factors. The prediction equation is based on completely randomized variance analyses model. The coefficients of the curves fitted were computed by means of non-linear regression analysis. Regression coefficient ( R2) values for these curves were observed to be highly reliable at more than 0.9. Also the correlation coefficients ( r) between actual and predicted values were very high at more than 0.96.
Characterization of the Surface Properties of Differently Scoured Cotton by Inverse Gas Chromatography at Infinite Dilution
Authors: Csiszár Emília , Fekete Erika
Published: January 2010

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) has been successfully used for comparative characterization of the surface properties of alkaline-scoured and bioscoured cotton samples in fibrous form. Under appropriate standard conditions the dispersion component (γ sd) of surface tension and the electron-acceptor ( KA) and electron-donor ( KD) constants were determined for characterizing the surface properties of raw, alkaline-scoured and pectinase-scoured cotton. The dispersion component of surface tension increased slightly with increasing hydrophilicity of the surfaces (raw: 39.0 mJ/m2, bioscoured: 40.0 mJ/m2 , alkaline scoured: 41.7 mJ/m2, at 30°C), indicating that the wax removal that occurred is somewhat higher in alkaline scouring than in bioscouring. The γ sd values decreased continuously with increasing measurement temperature in the range of 30—70°C (raw: 32.0 mJ/m2, bioscoured: 33.2 mJ/m2, alkaline scoured: 35.9 mJ/m2, at 70°C). Polar probes were not retained on raw cotton at all. The surface of the alkaline-scoured and bioscoured cotton samples was predominantly basic in character: KD /KA 6.8 and 8.2, respectively, where KA and KD were calculated from the Δ GA ab at 30°C. Despite the weight loss difference (3.2% and 0.7% for alkaline and bioscouring, respectively) and the residual pectin in bioscoured cotton, the results show that the acid—base character of the surface of the alkaline and pectinase-scoured samples is very similar.
Skin Delivery of Caffeine Contained in Biofunctional Textiles
Authors: Rubio Laia , Alonso Cristina , Coderch Luisa , Parra José Luís , Martí Meritxell , Cebrián Juan , Navarro Juan Antonio , Lis Manel , Valldeperas Josep
Published: January 2010

Biofunctional textiles are materials with new properties and added value. In this work, emphasis was placed on the release capacity of the active principle (caffeine) from the formulation or from the biofunctional textile. In addition, a new in vitro methodology of percutaneous absorption was designed to demonstrate the delivery of encapsulated caffeine from the biofunctional textile to the different skin layers. In the first step, permeation studies through a nylon membrane were performed and the release capacity of caffeine present in the samples was quantified. In the second step, it was possible to detect the presence of caffeine in the different layers of the skin, while maintaining a close contact between the biofunctional textile and the skin by using pressure during the percutaneous absorption test. The new system is satisfactory for measuring the pass of the active principle from the biofunctional textile to the different skin layers.
Team Boundary Spanning: A Multilevel Review of Past Research and Proposals for the Future
Authors: Marrone Jennifer A.
Published: January 2010

In response to increased complexity of work tasks, flatter organizational structures, and changing environmental conditions, organizational work teams must increasingly coordinate efforts across their boundaries and actively manage key relationships external to the team itself. Despite evidence of the importance of these processes—referred to as team boundary spanning—for both team and organizational success, significant gaps exist in our understanding of the nature of team boundary spanning, how and when these behaviors are carried out by teams, and the resulting impacts of team boundary spanning beyond that of enhanced team performance. Therefore, this article seeks to advance knowledge in this area by offering a taxonomy of team boundary spanning actions, reviewing the existing stream of team boundary spanning literature across multiple levels of analysis, and integrating this body of work with findings and perspectives from other boundary spanning research areas so as to stimulate fruitful avenues for future research.
A Typology of Marital Quality of Enduring Marriages in Israel
Authors: Cohen Orna , Geron Yael , Farchi Alva
Published: January 2010

This article presents a typology of enduring marriages of Israeli couples married for at least 40 years. Based on the view that marital quality is a multidimensional phenomenon, the typology is derived from a cluster analysis of responses of husbands and wives in 51 couples to the ENRICH scale items. Three types of enduring marriages were found: vitalized, satisfactory, and conflictual. Vitalized marriages were characterized by high scores on both the intrinsic (e.g., mutual acceptance, communication, conflict resolution) and extrinsic (e.g., financial management, relations with relatives and friends) aspects of marriage. Satisfactory marriages were characterized by lower scores on the intrinsic aspects but relatively high scores on the extrinsic ones. Conflictual marriages were characterized by difficulties in both aspects. Some clinical implications are suggested and further quantitative studies of enduring marriages are urged.
Choosing a Hospital for Surgery: The Importance of Information on Quality of Care
Authors: Dijs-Elsinga Joyce , Otten Wilma , Versluijs Martine M. , Smeets Harm J. , Kievit Job , Vree Robbert , van der Made Wendeline J. , Marang-van de Mheen Perla J.
Published: January 2010

Objective. To assess whether patients use information on quality of care when choosing a hospital for surgery compared with more general hospital information. Methods. In this cross-sectional study in 3 Dutch hospitals, questionnaires were sent to 2122 patients who underwent 1 of 6 elective surgical procedures in 2005—2006 (aorta reconstruction [for treatment of aneurysm], cholecystectomy, colon resection, inguinal hernia repair, esophageal resection, thyroid surgery). Patients were asked which information they had used to choose this hospital and which information they intended to use if they would need similar surgical treatment in the future. Results. In total, 1329 questionnaires were available for analysis (response rate 62.6%). Most patients indicated having used the hospital’s good reputation (69.1%) and friendly hospital atmosphere (63.3%) to choose a hospital. For future choices, most patients intended to use the fact that they were already treated in that hospital (79.3%) and the hospital’s good reputation (74.1%). Regarding quality-of-care information, patients preferred a summary measure (% patients with ‘‘textbook outcome’’) over separate more detailed measures (52.1% v. 38.0%, χ2 = 291, P < 0.01). For future choices, patients intend to use more information items than in 2005—2006, both in absolute terms (9 v. 4 items, t = 38.3, P < 0.01) as relative to the total number of available items (41.3% [40.1%—42.5%] v. 29.2% [28.1%—30.2%]). Conclusion. Patients intended to use more information for future choices than they used for past choices. For future choices, most patients prefer a summary measure on quality of care over more detailed measures but seem to value that they were already treated in that hospital or a hospital’s good reputation even more.
Public geographies II: Being organic
Authors: Fuller Duncan , Askins Kye
Published: January 2010

This second report on ‘public geographies’ considers the diverse, emergent and shifting spaces of engaging with and in public/s. Taking as its focus the more ‘organic’ rather than ‘traditional’ approach to doing public geography, as discussed in the first report, it explores the multiple and unorthodox ways in which engagements across academic-public spheres play out, and what such engagements may mean for geography/ers. The report first explores the role of the internet in ‘enabling conversations’, generating a range of opportunities for public geography through websites, wikis, blogs, file-sharing sites, discussion forums and more, thinking critically about how technologies may enable/disable certain kinds of publically engaged activities. It then considers issues of process and praxis: how collaborations with groups/communities/organizations beyond academia are often unplanned, serendipitous encounters that evolve organically into research/ learning/teaching endeavours; but also that personal politics/positionality bring an agency to bear upon whether we, as academics, follow the leads we may stumble upon. The report concludes with a provocative question — given that many non-academics appear to be doing some amazing and inspiring projects and activities, thoughtful, critical and (arguably) examples of organic public geographies, what then is academia’s role?
Adhesive Capsulitis
Authors: Neviaser Andrew S. , Hannafin Jo A.
Published: January 2010

Adhesive capsulitis is characterized by a painful, gradual loss of both active and passive glenohumeral motion resulting from progressive fibrosis and ultimate contracture of the glenohumeral joint capsule. Variable nomenclature, inconsistent reporting of disease staging, and a multitude of different treatments have created a confusing and contradictory body of literature about this condition. Our purpose is to review the evidence for both nonsurgical and surgical management of adhesive capsulitis with an emphasis on level I and II studies when available. Significant deficits in the literature include a paucity of randomized controlled trials, failure to report response to treatment in a stage-based fashion, and an incomplete understanding of the disease's natural course. Recognition that the clinical stages reflect a progression in the underlying pathological changes should guide future treatments.
Buckling Analysis of Tapered Composite Beams using a Higher Order Finite Element Formulation
Authors: Zabihollah Abolghassem , Ganesan Rajamohan
Published: January 2010

Tapered composite beams are increasingly being used in various engineering applications such as helicopter yoke, robot arms, and turbine blades. In the present work, the buckling analysis of laminated tapered composite beams is conducted using a higher order finite element formulation. In tapered laminates, the material and geometric discontinuities at ply drop-off locations lead to significant discontinuities in stress distributions. Higher order formulation ensures the continuity of the stress distribution through the thickness of a laminate as well as across the element interfaces, which is very important for the analysis of tapered laminates. In addition, higher order finite element formulation requires lesser number of elements in order to achieve reasonably accurate results in buckling analysis. The stiffness coefficients of the tapered laminated beam are determined in the present work based on the stress and strain transformations and the classical laminate theory. A detailed parametric study on various types of tapered composite beams is conducted.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts in Children Receiving Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) for Infantile Spasms
Authors: Taylor Jennifer B. , Young William O. , Rutar Tina
Published: January 2010

Posterior subcapsular cataract is a well-known complication of corticosteroid treatment. While this association has not been established for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) treatment, similar side effects would be expected for the 2 drugs given the mechanism of ACTH, which stimulates glucocorticoid synthesis and secretion. The authors report 2 children who were treated with ACTH for infantile spasms who developed bilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts. The authors recommend that children treated with ACTH be referred promptly to a pediatric ophthalmologist as these young, often developmentally delayed children may not exhibit recognizable signs of visual loss. Prompt evaluation and treatment of cataracts in children is important to prevent permanent vision loss from deprivation amblyopia.
Factors Associated With Nonexclusive Breastfeeding in 5 East and Southeast Asian Countries: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Senarath Upul , Dibley Michael J. , Agho Kingsley E.
Published: January 2010

This study aimed to examine individual-, household-, and community-level characteristics associated with nonexclusive breastfeeding (non-EBF) in infants younger than 6 months of age using Demographic and Health Surveys data collected between 2002 and 2005 in East and Southeast Asia. Multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios for factors associated with non-EBF. Exclusive breastfeeding rates in infants younger than 6 months were as follows: Vietnam, 15.5%; Timor-Leste, 30.7%; the Philippines, 33.7%; Indonesia, 38.9%; and Cambodia, 60.1%. The significant individual factors associated with non-EBF included first-born infants, working mothers, and higher maternal age. Communities with a higher proportion of wealthier households in Indonesia, trained delivery assistance in the Philippines, and poor maternal education in Vietnam and Cambodia were at greater risk for non-EBF. All countries need effort to improve EBF, specifically targeting working mothers, less educated women, rich households, and first-time mothers. Health institutions and care providers should be appropriately guided to support EBF. J Hum Lact. 26(3):248-257.
Surface Properties of Cellulose Acetate
Authors: Ioan Silvia , Necula Adina Maria , Stoica Iuliana , Olaru Niculae , Olaru Liliana , Ioanid Ghiocel Emil
Published: January 2010

Cellulose acetates with different substitution degrees were investigated as to their surface tension properties and morphology. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies on membranes, obtained from solution in acetone/water nonsolvent mixtures, evidenced pores and nodules of different size and intensity, depending on the substitution degrees of cellulose acetate and on the water contents in nonsolvent mixtures. Modification of hydrophilicity, put into evidence by the apolar components and by the electron acceptor and electron donor parameters of the polar components, was correlated with the pores volumes — influenced both by their diameter and depths, and by surface roughness as illustrated by AFM images. Surface wettability trends were also studied by means of the free energy of hydration between compounds and water.
Preparation and Properties of Glass Cloth-reinforced Meltable Thermoplastic Polyimide Composites for Microelectronic Packaging Substrates
Authors: Hongyan Xu  , Haixia Yang  , Liming Tao  , Jingang Liu  , Lin Fan  , Shiyong Yang
Published: January 2010

Meltable thermoplastic polyimide resins (MTPI) with designed polymer backbones and controlled molecular weights for advanced microelectronic packaging substrate application have been synthesized by thermal polycondensation of aromatic dianhydride and aromatic diamine in presence of endcapping agent. The thermoplastic polyimide resins could be dissolved in organic solvents to give low viscosity solutions, which were then employed to impregnate E-glass cloth (EG) to yield MTPI/EG prepregs. After removal of the organic volatile, the MTPI/EG prepregs were plied up and then melt processed to give MTPI/EG composite laminates with high quality. Experimental results demonstrated that the MTPI/EG composite laminates showed desirable characteristics, including: (1) excellent thermal stability; (2) good mechanical properties; (3) great electrical insulating and dielectric properties; as well as (4) high peel strength between copper foil and the composite surface.
Reconstruction of Holocene high-altitude vegetation cover in the French southern Alps: evidence from soil charcoal
Authors: Talon Brigitte
Published: January 2010

The study presented here from the southern French Alps demonstrates the reliability of soil charcoal analysis for the study of Holocene past treeline positions. The occurrence of charcoal in mineral soils along transects from 1950 m up to 2920 m demonstrates the role of fire in the establishment of the present vegetation patterns. The abrupt decrease of charcoal concentration at about 2400—2600 m (which varies across the study sites) corresponds to the modern transition between subalpine forest and alpine tundra. Charcoal particles formed in situ provide high spatial-resolution data for the reconstruction of past forest and treeline changes. Soil charcoal analysis indicated that: (1) treeline was 300 m higher around 6800 cal. BP than today; and (2) the uppermost forest belt up to 2810 m was colonized by larch ( Larix decidua Mill.) and arolla pine ( Pinus cembra L.). This pine is present today but patchily distributed: it is absent from the three areas studied. Radiocarbon dates, ranging from c. 6800 cal. BP to the modern period, along with historical and archaeological data, suggest that the present pattern of the uppermost forest belt, and the patchy distribution of arolla pine in the studied area are the results of anthropogenic fire (mainly agropastoral activities). The question of global warming consequences on treelines in this part of the French Alps is discussed.
Treatment Fidelity in Social Work Intervention Research: A Review of Published Studies
Authors: Naleppa Matthias J. , Cagle John G.
Published: January 2010

Objectives: This study investigated treatment fidelity in social work research. Method: The authors systematically reviewed all articles published in five prominent social work journals over a 5- year period. Sixty-three outcome studies were identified and reviewed for how well treatment fidelity was monitored using eight review criteria. Results: Seventy-one percent of reviewed studies defined each independent variable but more than two thirds lacked information on control measures for the interventions. Only two studies addressed all eight of the fidelity criteria, while five articles provided sufficient information on seven of the criteria. Nearly half (49%) were identified as primarily effectiveness studies. Slightly fewer (43%) were identified as efficacy studies. Conclusions: Greater attention needs to be paid to fidelity in social work intervention research.
Optimal Decisions in Product Modularity Design Using Real Option Approach
Authors: Ming Dong  , Dong Yang  , Yile Wang
Published: January 2010

In the field of product modular design, it is desirable to have a methodology leading to a dynamic product design responding to the changing market. In this article, an option-pricing method is proposed for the module introduction decision making. At each stage of the module introduction processes, the decision maker can decide to add, reject and merge modules to form different kinds of configurations. The proposed approach is demonstrated through the design of mobile phones. The results indicate that the proposed decision models can effectively respond to the customer demands and bring greater net present value for companies.
Specific Oral Communication Skills Desired in New Accountancy Graduates
Authors: Gray F. Elizabeth
Published: January 2010

International research findings and anecdotal evidence alike suggest that new accountancy graduates often begin their careers with inadequate oral communication skills. However, there is a lack of well-grounded empirical data concerning precisely what accountancy employers mean by “oral communication” and what specific skills they value most highly. This article describes a research project investigating the importance of 27 oral communication skills for students intending to begin an accountancy career in New Zealand, as perceived by chartered accountancy professionals. It also examines how frequently accountancy employers are finding these desired skills in new graduates. The findings reported in this study offer important guidance concerning the oral communication skills that new graduates will find most useful in the New Zealand accountancy workplace and suggest useful directions for accountancy students internationally.
Safety Pharmacology and Genotoxicity Evaluation of AVI-4658
Authors: Sazani Peter , Weller Doreen L. , Shrewsbury Stephen B.
Published: January 2010

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by dystrophin gene mutations. Restoration of dystrophin by exon skipping was demonstrated with the phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO) class of splice-switching oligomers, in both mouse and dog disease models. The authors report the results of Good Laboratory Practice–compliant safety pharmacology and genotoxicity evaluations of AVI-4658, a PMO under clinical evaluation for DMD. In cynomolgus monkeys, no test article–related effects were seen on cardiovascular, respiratory, global neurological, renal, or liver parameters at the maximum feasible dose (320 mg/kg). Genotoxicity battery showed that AVI-4658 has no genotoxic potential at up to 5000 μg/mL in an in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test and a bacterial reverse mutation assay. In the mouse bone marrow erythrocyte micronucleus test, a single intravenous injection up to 2000 mg/kg was generally well tolerated and resulted in no mutagenic potential. These results allowed initiation of systemic clinical trials in DMD patients in the United Kingdom.
Beyond Tokyo Rainbow Bridge: destination images portrayed in Japanese drama affect Taiwanese tourists’ perception
Authors: Liou Dian-Yan
Published: January 2010

Movies or TV programs provide intangible benefits to a local community or country such as image enhancement or an increase in the level of awareness of the host city. The complex combination of local demand, video technology and the Taiwanese people’s highly developed literacy in regard to Japanese popular culture made the in-flow of Japanese television trendy dramas possible. This article explores how contemporary Japanese cultural-economic forces land in Taiwan through the favorable reception of TV dramas and then increase popularity of travel to Japan. By examining Taiwanese acceptance of these dramas, this study discusses not only the ways in which young Taiwanese fans have experienced transnational tourism behavior, but also marketing ideas associated with TV drama-induced tourism.
The impact of satisfaction judgment on behavioral intentions: an investigation of golf travelers
Authors: Hutchinson Joe , Wang Youcheng (Raymond) , Lai Fujun
Published: January 2010

This study developed and tested an integrative model to examine the relationships between golf travelers’ information satisfaction, attribute satisfaction, and overall satisfaction related to a golf vacation, and to investigate the impacts of these variables on their behavioral intentions (revisit a destination and word-of-mouth referrals). The model was tested using surveyed data from 309 golf travelers. The results indicated that information satisfaction was an antecedent to three attribute satisfaction variables: golf course and clubhouse amenities, lodging facilities and service, and merchandise and other recreation facilities. Further, two of these three attribute satisfaction variables had a significant impact on overall satisfaction. In addition, overall satisfaction had a significant influence on word-of-mouth referrals and intention to revisit the destination. Finally, word of mouth to a great extent determined travelers’ intentions to revisit the destination. Discussion and implications are provided based on the research results.
The relationship between personal values and tourism behaviour: a segmentation approach
Authors: Mehmetoglu Mehmet , Hines Kjell , Graumann Conny , Greibrokk Jørund
Published: January 2010

The objective of this study was to segment a general population based on their personal values, and then compare the resulting value-based segments in terms of their tourism behaviour. Subsequently, a representative sample (N = 1000) of the Norwegian population was first, through a cluster analysis, divided into four distinct segments by personal values. These segments were labelled as traditional idealists, modern idealists, traditional materialists, and modern materialists. The four segments were then, through a MANOVA, compared based on tourism behaviour (i.e. a set of push and pull travel motives, and a set of travel activity preferences). The results indicated that the segments statistically differed. For instance, the idealists (both traditional and modern) considered hedonistic travel motives more important than the materialists (both traditional and modern). Theoretical and practical implications are also provided.
Novel function for blood platelets and podoplanin in developmental separation of blood and lymphatic circulation
Authors: Uhrin Pavel , Zaujec Jan , Breuss Johannes M. , Olcaydu Damla , Chrenek Peter , Stockinger Hannes , Fuertbauer Elke , Moser Markus , Haiko Paula , Fässler Reinhard , Alitalo Kari , Binder Bernd R. , Kerjaschki Dontscho
Published: January 2010

During embryonic development, lymph sacs form from the cardinal vein, and sprout centrifugally to form mature lymphatic networks. Separation of the lymphatic from the blood circulation by a hitherto unknown mechanism is essential for the homeostatic function of the lymphatic system. O-glycans on the lymphatic endothelium have recently been suggested to be required for establishment and maintenance of distinct blood and lymphatic systems, primarily by mediating proper function of podoplanin. Here, we show that this separation process critically involves platelet activation by podoplanin. We found that platelet aggregates build up in wild-type embryos at the separation zone of podoplanin+ lymph sacs and cardinal veins, but not in podoplanin−/− embryos. Thus, podoplanin−/− mice develop a “nonseparation” phenotype, characterized by a blood-filled lymphatic network after approximately embryonic day 13.5, which, however, partially resolves in postnatal mice. The same embryonic phenotype is also induced by treatment of pregnant mice with acetyl salicylic acid, podoplanin-blocking antibodies, or by inactivation of the kindlin-3 gene required for platelet aggregation. Therefore, interaction of endothelial podoplanin of the developing lymph sac with circulating platelets from the cardinal vein is critical for separating the lymphatic from the blood vascular system.
Tissue type plasminogen activator regulates myeloid-cell dependent neoangiogenesis during tissue regeneration
Authors: Ohki Makiko , Ohki Yuichi , Ishihara Makoto , Nishida Chiemi , Tashiro Yoshihiko , Akiyama Haruyo , Komiyama Hiromitsu , Lund Leif R. , Nitta Atsumi , Yamada Kiyofumi , Zhu Zhenping , Ogawa Hideoki , Yagita Hideo , Okumura Ko , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Werb Zena , Heissig Beate , Hattori Koichi
Published: January 2010

Ischemia of the heart, brain, and limbs is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Treatment with tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) can dissolve blood clots and can ameliorate the clinical outcome in ischemic diseases. But the underlying mechanism by which tPA improves ischemic tissue regeneration is not well understood. Bone marrow (BM)–derived myeloid cells facilitate angiogenesis during tissue regeneration. Here, we report that a serpin-resistant form of tPA by activating the extracellular proteases matrix metalloproteinase-9 and plasmin expands the myeloid cell pool and mobilizes CD45+CD11b+ proangiogenic, myeloid cells, a process dependent on vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and Kit ligand signaling. tPA improves the incorporation of CD11b+ cells into ischemic tissues and increases expression of neoangiogenesis-related genes, including VEGF-A. Remarkably, transplantation of BM-derived tPA-mobilized CD11b+ cells and VEGFR-1+ cells, but not carrier-mobilized cells or CD11b− cells, accelerates neovascularization and ischemic tissue regeneration. Inhibition of VEGF signaling suppresses tPA-induced neovascularization in a model of hind limb ischemia. Thus, tPA mobilizes CD11b+ cells from the BM and increases systemic and local (cellular) VEGF-A, which can locally promote angiogenesis during ischemic recovery. tPA might be useful to induce therapeutic revascularization in the growing field of regenerative medicine.
Cross-cultural comparison of the sleep-disordered breathing prevalence among Americans and Japanese
Authors: Yamagishi K. , Ohira T. , Nakano H. , Bielinski S.J. , Sakurai S. , Imano H. , Kiyama M. , Kitamura A. , Sato S. , Konishi M. , Shahar E. , Folsom A.R. , Iso H. , Tanigawa T.
Published: January 2010

The aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing among Hispanic and white Americans and Japanese.

A 1-night sleep study using a single-channel airflow monitor was performed on 211 Hispanics and 246 Whites from the Minnesota field centre (St Paul, MN, USA) of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), and 978 Japanese from three community-based cohorts of the Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS) in Japan. The respiratory disturbance index and sleep-disordered breathing, defined as a respiratory disturbance index of ≥15 events·h−1, were estimated.

The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing was higher in males (34.2%) than females (14.7%), and among Hispanics (36.5%) and Whites (33.3%) than among Japanese (18.4%), corresponding to differences in body mass index. Within body mass index strata, the race difference in sleep-disordered breathing was attenuated. This was also true when body mass index was adjusted for instead of stratification. The strong association between body mass index and sleep-disordered breathing was similar in Japanese and Americans.

The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing was lower among Japanese than among Americans. However, the association of body mass index with sleep-disordered breathing was strong, and similar among the race/ethnic groups studied. The majority of the race/ethnic difference in sleep-disordered breathing prevalence was explained by a difference in body mass index distribution.
Identification and functional characterisation of the promoter of the calcium sensor gene CBL1 from the xerophyte Ammopiptanthus mongolicus
Authors: Guo Lili , Yu Yanhua , Xia Xinli , Yin Weilun
Published: January 2010

Background

CBL1 is a calcium sensor that regulates drought, cold and salt signals in Arabidopsis. Overexpression of CBL1 gene in Arabidopsis and in Ammopiptanthus mongolicus showed different tolerant activities. We are interested in understanding the molecular mechanism of the upstream region of the CBL1 gene of A. mongolicus (AmCBL1). We investigated and characterized the promoter of the AmCBL1 gene, for promoters play a very important role in regulating gene expression in eukaryotes.

Results

A 1683-bp 5' flanking region was isolated from A. mongolicus. The sequence was identified as AmCBL1 promoter. Analysis of the promoter sequence indicated a 690-bp intron and some basic cis-acting elements were related to various environmental stresses and plant hormones. To identify the functional region of the AmCBL1 promoter, five plant expression vectors fused with the GUS (β-glucuronidase) gene, driven by series deleted fragments of AmCBL1 promoter at different lengths from -1659, -1414, -1048, -296 to -167 bp relative to the transcriptional start site were constructed and transformed into Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. 89. Functional properties of each promoter segment were examined by GUS staining and fluorescence quantitative analyses using at least three single-copy PCR-positive plants of transgenic tobacco, treated with various environmental stresses and plant hormones for different times. We demonstrated that the AmCBL1 promoter was a vascular-specific and multiple-stress-inducible promoter. Our results further imply that the promoter fragment B1S3 possessed sufficient essential cis-acting elements, accounting for vascular-specific and stress-induced expression patterns. It may also indicate that for response to some stresses certain cis-elements are required in tissues outside the region of the B1S3 construct.

Conclusions

To help resolve uncertainties about the upstream regulatory mechanism of the CBL1 gene in desert plants, we suggest that the function of the AmCBL1 promoter, particularly under conditions of abiotic stress, to be examined for possible usefulness in molecular breeding. Regardless of the outcome, the allocation and relative quantification of the GUS-fusion AmCBL1 promoter segments at transcriptional levels in different tissues under various stresses across separate promoter segments suggests that the AmCBL1 promoter is a phloem-specific and multiple-stress-inducible promoter. These data coupled with the ongoing AmCBL1 5' UTR intron analyses provide a solid foundation for their future use in molecular breeding as new promoters of stress-resistance genes from desert plants.
Haplotypes of intron 4 of the estrogen receptor alpha gene and hip fractures: a replication study in Caucasians
Authors: Velasco Javier , Hernández José L , Pérez-Castrillón José L , Zarrabeitia María T , Alonso María A , González-Macías Jesús , Riancho José A
Published: January 2010

Background

Despite their great impact, few genetic association studies have used hip fractures as an endpoint. However, the association of two polymorphisms on intron 4 of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) with hip fractures was recently reported in a Chinese population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether such association is also present in Caucasians.

Methods

We analyzed those two SNPs and another neighbour SNP located on the exon 4 of ESR1 in 787 patients with hip fractures and 953 controls from Spain.

Results

The allelic frequencies differed markedly from those reported in Asian populations. Nevertheless, haplotypes including the rs3020314 and rs1884051 loci in intron 4 showed a significant association with hip fractures (omnibus test p = 0.006 in the whole group and 0.00005 in women). In the sex-stratified analysis, the association was significant in females, but not in males. In women, the CA haplotype appeared to have a protective influence, being present in 6.5% of the controls, but only in 3% of patients with fractures (odds ratio 0.39; 95% confidence interval 0.26-0.59; estimated population preventive fraction 3.5%). The inclusion of the rs1801132 SNP of exon 4 further increased the statistical significance of the association (odds ratio 0.17; 95% CI 0.08-0.37; p = 0.00001). Each SNP appeared to contribute independently to the association. No genotype-related differences in gene expression were found in 42 femoral bone samples.

Conclusions

This study confirms the association of some polymorphisms in the region of exon 4/intron 4 of ESR1 and hip fractures in women. However, there are marked differences in allele frequencies between Asian and Caucasian populations.
Effects of nilotinib on regulatory T cells: the dose matters
Authors: Fei Fei , Yu Yingzhe , Schmitt Anita , Rojewski Markus T , Chen Baoan , Greiner Jochen , Götz Marlies , Bunjes Donald , Schmitt Michael
Published: January 2010

Background

Nilotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with high target specificity. Here, we characterized the effects of nilotinib for the first time on CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) which regulate anti-tumor/leukemia immune responses.

Design and Methods

Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) and 5-bromo-2-deoxy -uridine (BrdU) were used to assess the proliferation and cell cycle distribution of Tregs. The expression of the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) and the glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) were measured by flow cytometry. Western blotting analysis was used to detect the effects of nilotinib on the signal transduction cascade of T-cell receptor (TCR) in Tregs.

Results

Nilotinib inhibited the proliferation and suppressive capacity of Tregs in a dose-dependent manner. However, the production of cytokines secreted by Tregs and CD4+CD25- T cells was only inhibited at high concentrations of nilotinib exceeding the mean therapeutic serum concentrations of the drug in patients. Only high doses of nilotinib arrested both Tregs and CD4+CD25- T cells in the G0/G1 phase and down-regulated the expression of FoxP3 and GITR. In western blotting analysis, nilotinib did not show significant inhibitory effects on TCR signaling events in Tregs and CD4+CD25- T cells.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that nilotinib does not hamper the function of Tregs at clinical relevant doses, while long-term administration of nilotinib still needs to be investigated.
Anti-viral state segregates two molecular phenotypes of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: potential relevance for adenoviral gene therapy
Authors: Monsurrò Vladia , Beghelli Stefania , Wang Richard , Barbi Stefano , Coin Silvia , Di Pasquale Giovanni , Bersani Samantha , Castellucci Monica , Sorio Claudio , Eleuteri Stefano , Worschech Andrea , Chiorini Jay A , Pederzoli Paolo , Alter Harvey , Marincola Francesco M , Scarpa Aldo
Published: January 2010

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality for which novel gene therapy approaches relying on tumor-tropic adenoviruses are being tested.

Methods

We obtained the global transcriptional profiling of primary PDAC using RNA from eight xenografted primary PDAC, three primary PDAC bulk tissues, three chronic pancreatitis and three normal pancreatic tissues. The Affymetrix GeneChip HG-U133A was used. The results of the expression profiles were validated applying immunohistochemical and western blot analysis on a set of 34 primary PDAC and 10 established PDAC cell lines. Permissivity to viral vectors used for gene therapy, Adenovirus 5 and Adeno-Associated Viruses 5 and 6, was assessed on PDAC cell lines.

Results

The analysis of the expression profiles allowed the identification of two clearly distinguishable phenotypes according to the expression of interferon-stimulated genes. The two phenotypes could be readily recognized by immunohistochemical detection of the Myxovirus-resistance A protein, whose expression reflects the activation of interferon dependent pathways. The two molecular phenotypes discovered in primary carcinomas were also observed among established pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines, suggesting that these phenotypes are an intrinsic characteristic of cancer cells independent of their interaction with the host's microenvironment. The two pancreatic cancer phenotypes are characterized by different permissivity to viral vectors used for gene therapy, as cell lines expressing interferon stimulated genes resisted to Adenovirus 5 mediated lysis in vitro. Similar results were observed when cells were transduced with Adeno-Associated Viruses 5 and 6.

Conclusion

Our study identified two molecular phenotypes of pancreatic cancer, characterized by a differential expression of interferon-stimulated genes and easily recognized by the expression of the Myxovirus-resistance A protein. We suggest that the detection of these two phenotypes might help the selection of patients enrolled in virally-mediated gene therapy trials.
Biophysical and enzymatic properties of the simian and prototype foamy virus reverse transcriptases
Authors: Hartl Maximilian J , Mayr Florian , Rethwilm Axel , Wöhrl Birgitta M
Published: January 2010

Background

The foamy virus Pol protein is translated independently from Gag using a separate mRNA. Thus, in contrast to orthoretroviruses no Gag-Pol precursor protein is synthesized. Only the integrase domain is cleaved off from Pol resulting in a mature reverse transcriptase harboring the protease domain at the N-terminus (PR-RT). Although the homology between the PR-RTs from simian foamy virus from macaques (SFVmac) and the prototype foamy virus (PFV), probably originating from chimpanzee, exceeds 90%, several differences in the biophysical and biochemical properties of the two enzymes have been reported (i.e. SFVmac develops resistance to the nucleoside inhibitor azidothymidine (AZT) whereas PFV remains AZT sensitive even if the resistance mutations from SFVmac PR-RT are introduced into the PFV PR-RT gene). Moreover, contradictory data on the monomer/dimer status of the foamy virus protease have been published.

Results

We set out to purify and directly compare the monomer/dimer status and the enzymatic behavior of the two wild type PR-RT enzymes from SFVmac and PFV in order to get a better understanding of the protein and enzyme functions. We determined kinetic parameters for the two enzymes, and we show that PFV PR-RT is also a monomeric protein.

Conclusions

Our data show that the PR-RTs from SFV and PFV are monomeric proteins with similar biochemical and biophysical properties that are in some aspects comparable with MLV RT, but differ from those of HIV-1 RT. These differences might be due to the different conditions the viruses are confronted with in dividing and non-dividing cells.
A proinsulin74-90-derived protease-resistant, altered peptide ligand increases TGF-β1 secretion in PBMC from patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: van Aalst Denise , Kalbacher Hubert , Palesch David , Zou Fang , Spyrantis Andreas , Rosinger Silke , Boehm Bernhard O , Burster Timo
Published: January 2010

Proinsulin-based protease-resistant altered peptide ligands modulate proinsulin-reactive T cells to secret the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1.

Proinsulin is a major diabetes-associated autoantigen. APL have been shown to manipulate the immune response of T cells. Here, we generated a lysosomal protease-resistant proinsulin74–90-derived APL using a CS-directed amino acid modification approach. These prAPL activated TGF-β1 secretion in proinsulin-reactive T cells from PBMC of patients with T1D. We provide evidence that proinsulin-derived prAPL modulate the cytokine signature of proinsulin-reactive T cells at a micromolar range by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines, including TGF-β1. Thus, the use of prAPL is a promising tool to mitigate autoaggressive T cells.
Acute antipsychotic-induced akathisia revisited
Authors: Poyurovsky Michael
Published: January 2010

Akathisia remains one of the most prevalent and distressful
antipsychotic-induced adverse events. Effective and well-tolerated treatment
is a major unmet need in akathisia that merits a search for new remedies.
Accumulating evidence indicates that agents with marked serotonin-2A
receptor antagonism may represent a new class of potential anti-akathisia
treatment.
Religion, spirituality and mental health
Authors: Dein Simon , Cook Christopher C. H. , Powell Andrew , Eagger Sarah
Published: January 2010

Research demonstrates important associations between religiosity and well-being; spirituality and religious faith are important coping mechanisms for managing stressful life events. Despite this, there is a religiosity gap between mental health clinicians and their patients. The former are less likely to be religious, and recent correspondence in the Psychiatric Bulletin suggests that some at least do not consider it appropriate to encourage discussion of any spiritual or religious concerns with patients. However, it is difficult to see how failure to discuss such matters can be consistent with the objective of gaining a full understanding of the patient's condition and their self-understanding, or attracting their full and active engagement with services.
Echinoid regulates Flamingo endocytosis to control ommatidial rotation in theDrosophilaeye
Authors: Ho Yu-Huei , Lien Mong-Ting , Lin Chiao-Ming , Wei Shu-Yi , Chang Li-Hsun , Hsu Jui-Chou
Published: January 2010

Planar cell polarity (PCP) refers to a second polarity axis orthogonal to the apicobasal axis in the plane of the epithelium. The molecular link between apicobasal polarity and PCP is largely unknown. During Drosophila eye development, differentiated photoreceptors form clusters that rotate independently of the surrounding interommatidial cells (ICs). Here, we demonstrate that both Echinoid (Ed), an adherens junction-associated cell adhesion molecule, and Flamingo (Fmi), a PCP determinant, are endocytosed via a clathrin-mediated pathway in ICs. Interestingly, we found that Ed binds the AP-2 adaptor and is required for the internalization of Fmi into ICs. Loss of ed led to increased amounts of Fmi on the cell membrane of non-rotating ICs and also to the misrotation of photoreceptor clusters. Importantly, overexpression of fmi in ICs alone was sufficient to cause misrotation of the adjacent photoreceptor clusters. Together, we propose that Ed, when internalized by AP-2, undergoes co-endocytosis with, and thereby decreases, Fmi levels on non-rotating ICs to permit correct rotation of ommatidial clusters. Thus, co-endocytosis of Ed and Fmi provides a link between apicobasal polarity and PCP.