bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic Coxiella-like Infection With Myocarditis and Hepatitis in an Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus)
Authors: Vapniarsky N. , Barr B. C. , Murphy B.
Published: June 2011

A multiorgan infection with a Coxiella-like organism was determined to be the cause of death of a female eclectus parrot( Eclectus roratus). The diagnosis was based on gross lesions, histopathology, Gimenez and Gram special stains, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of a bacterial 16s rRNA gene fragment isolated from hepatic and cardiac tissue. Gross postmortem examination revealed multifocal to coalescing foci of hepatic necrosis. The most significant histologic lesions included multifocal lymphohistiocytic necrotizing hepatitis, locally extensive lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis, and myocardial degeneration and necrosis. Intralesional cytoplasmic organisms were identified in cardiomyocytes, biliary epithelium, and pancreatic exocrine cells. This is the first description of a Coxiella-like organism with wide-ranging cellular tropisms in a psittacine bird. In addition, lymphoplasmacytic neuritis, myositis, splenitis, airsacculitis, and enteritis were detected. It is also the first report of a Coxiella-like infection in an eclectus parrot.
Beta Amyloid Deposition and Neurofibrillary Tangles Spontaneously Occur in the Brains of Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)
Authors: Serizawa S. , Chambers J. K. , Une Y.
Published: June 2011

Alzheimer disease is a dementing disorder characterized pathologically by Aβ deposition, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal loss. Although aged animals of many species spontaneously develop Aβ deposits, only 2 species (chimpanzee and wolverine) have been reported to develop Aβ deposits and neurofibrillary tangles in the same individual. Here, the authors demonstrate the spontaneous occurrence of Aβ deposits and neurofibrillary tangles in captive cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus). Among 22 cheetahs examined in this study, Aβ deposits were observed in 13. Immunostaining (AT8) revealed abnormal intracellular tau immunoreactivity in 10 of the cheetahs with Aβ deposits, and they were mainly distributed in the parahippocampal cortex and CA1 in a fashion similar to that in human patients with Alzheimer disease. Ultrastructurally, bundles of straight filaments filled the neuronal somata and axons, consistent with tangles. Interestingly, 2 of the cheetahs with the most severe abnormal tau immunoreactivity showed clinical cognitive dysfunction. The authors conclude that cheetahs spontaneously develop age-related neurodegenerative disease with pathologic changes similar to Alzheimer disease.
Uncertainty determination of glow-wire test for ignition of materials
Authors: Guillaume Eric , Yardin Catherine , Aumaitre Stéphanie , Rumbau Valérie
Published: June 2011

The glow-wire test has been one of the basic electrotechnical material fire tests since the 1970 s. Although the test exists in a large number of versions, only one is internationally standardized as IEC 60695-2, Parts 10–13. Test results are ignition or flame persistence of a material in contact with a glow wire at a given temperature. Since the measurement is qualitative, uncertainty can only be performed on the temperature measurement itself. This article demonstrates the main verifications needed to ensure trueness and repeatability of the test and proposes a method to calculate test uncertainty. It also summarizes the results of various round-robin inter-laboratory studies and presents an example application of uncertainty determination.
Effect of lead on apoptosis in cultured rat primary osteoblasts
Authors: Ma Yushui , Fu Da , Liu Zongping
Published: June 2011

To investigate the effect of lead exposure on apoptosis of cultured rat primary osteoblasts (ROBs), which were derived from newborn calvariae of Sprague Dawley rat. They were identified by the staining of alkaline phosphatase and mineralized matrix. The ROBs were received at 0, 20, 40 and 80 μM Pb2+ of lead acetate solution for 24 h, respectively, before being doubly marked by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide. The intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca2+]i) was detected under the laser scan confocal microscope. The activities of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) were measured and the effect of lead exposure on the expression of PC-PLC was observed by immunoblotting assay. The results showed that when compared with that of the control group, lead exposure induced an increase of [Ca2+]i of lead-treated ROBs, resulting in a significant development in apoptosis. In the meantime, a significant decline in protein level and enzymatic activities of PC-PLC were observed in a dose-dependent manner. It was concluded that lead can induce apoptosis in ROBs, and one of the mechanisms of lead-induced apoptosis may be that activating intracellular calcium stores by decreasing protein levels and enzymatic activities of PC-PLC can increase the [Ca2+]i, and consequently, the apoptotic signal pathway can be induced.
Organizational Rhetoric: A Subject of Interest(s)
Authors: Boyd Josh , Waymer Damion
Published: June 2011

At the heart of this special issue on external organizational rhetoric is the pursuit of unearthing the ways that complex organizations, performing as modern rhetors engaged in discourse, can work to make society a good place to live. One way that this can be achieved is by problematizing organizational rhetoric. To do so requires taking a critical stance that identifies the hidden ideographs and assumptions embedded within them. External organizational rhetoric scholars, aiming to foster a more fully functioning society, need to expose, smooth, and neutralize these assumptions and tacit constraints if there is to be continued progress in the study and application of the ways external organizational rhetoric, including public relations, might further contribute to society at large.
Building Social Capital Through Rhetoric and Public Relations
Authors: Taylor Maureen
Published: June 2011

When the focus is on meaning making, language, rhetorical argument, and persuasion, there is enormous potential to see how public relations theory and practice in external organizational rhetoric can serve community interests—or not. Rhetoric (as the discourse) and public relations (as the enactment of that discourse) are essential to building and sustaining a society as a good place to live because they create various types of social capital. This article describes the various relationships among international and indigenous NGOs, business organizations, and community activists in facilitating (and, at times, frustrating) dialogue in Jordan. It offers an example of how social capital may be created when rhetors using public relations advocate in ways that enhance the capacity of local governance and make their community a better place to live.
Periodic mixed convection of a nanofluid in a cavity with top lid sinusoidal motion
Authors: Karimipour A , Nezhad A H , Behzadmehr A , Alikhani S , Abedini E
Published: June 2011

The periodic mixed convection of a water–copper nanofluid inside a rectangular cavity with aspect ratio of 3 is investigated numerically. The temperature of the bottom wall of the cavity is assumed greater than the temperature of the top lid which oscillates horizontally with the velocity defined as u =  u0 sin ( ωt). The effects of Richardson number, Ri, and volume fraction of nanoparticles on the flow and thermal behaviour of the nanofluid are investigated. Velocity, temperature profiles, and streamlines are presented. It is observed that when Ri < 1, heat transfer rate is much greater than when Ri > 1. The higher value of Ri corresponds to a lower value of the amplitude of the oscillation of Nu m in the steady periodic state. Moreover, increasing the volume fraction of the nanoparticles increases the heat transfer rate.
The effects of radial inlet with splitters on the performance of variable inlet guide vanes in a centrifugal compressor stage
Authors: Tan J , Wang X , Qi D , Wang R
Published: June 2011

Variable inlet guide vanes (VIGVs) can regulate pressure ratio and mass flow at constant rotational speed in centrifugal compressors as a result of inducing a controlled prewhirl in front of impellers. Radial inlets and VIGVs are typical upstream components in front of the first-stage impellers in many industrial centrifugal compressors. However, previous investigations on VIGVs in centrifugal compressors were mostly conducted under the condition of axial inlets, and this study aims to focus on the effects of radial inlet on the VIGVs performance of a centrifugal compressor stage. The axial inlet stage model is compared with the radial inlet stage model with splitters using numerical flow simulation. The flow from the radial inlet was non-uniform in both circumferential and radial directions; thus, the VIGVs, the impeller, the vaneless diffuser, and the return vane channel are modelled with fully 360° passages. The three-dimensional (3D) flow field is numerically simulated at VIGVs setting angles ranging from - 20° to 60°. The overall stage performance parameters are obtained by integrating the field quantities. Though the splitters are equipped in the radial inlet, the overall stage polytropic efficiency decreases by an average of 4 per cent and total pressure ratio decreases by an average of 3.3per cent in comparison with the axial stage model. This can be attributed to the effect of both flow non-uniformity induced by radial inlet and flow loss in the radial inlet at different VIGV setting angles. The flow loss in the radial inlet with splitters is the main reason of the stage performance decrease compared with the flow non-uniformity. The simulation results show that the performance of VIGVs is degraded by its inlet flow distortions resulting from a radial inlet. The results in this study can be applied to centrifugal compressor design and optimization.
The avidity of anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies in patients with or without antiphospholipid syndrome: a collaborative study in the frame of the European forum on antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Čučnik S , Kveder T , Ulcova GZ , Swadzba J , Musial J , Valesini G , Avčin T , Rozman B , Božič B
Published: June 2011

Objective. The objective of this study was to extend the findings of the preliminary study by measuring the avidity of IgG anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-β2-GPI) on a larger group of patients with primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and anti-β2-GPI positive patients without APS in the frame of the European Forum on antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).

Methods. Serum from 137 patients with primary APS, APS associated with autoimmune diseases, and patients with autoimmune diseases other than APS from five EU rheumatology centres were tested for anti-β2-GPI antibodies. The 109 patients who were sera positive for anti-β2-GPI by the in-house anti-β2-GPI enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at the Immunology Laboratory, UMC Ljubljana were selected for further testing on avidity with chaotropic anti-β2-GPI ELISA.

Results. High, low and heterogeneous avidity IgG anti-β2-GPI was found in 32/109, 17/109 and 60/109 patients respectively. Significantly more patients with APS were in the high avidity than in the low avidity anti-β2-GPI group, while the opposite was observed for non-APS (both p < 0.001). The most common clinical feature among patients with high avidity anti-β2-GPI was thrombosis, mainly due to venous thrombosis ( p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, versus low avidity anti-β2-GPI group).

Conclusion. Patients with or without APS had anti-β2-GPI of high, low or heterogeneous avidity. High avidity anti-β2-GPI was associated with thrombosis and APS, while in the low avidity anti-β2-GPI group non-APS (predominantly SLE) patients prevailed. Determination of anti-β2-GPI avidity should be considered in the analytical strategies for further differentiation of patients with anti-β2-GPI antibodies.
Extending Turnaround Process Research
Authors: Lohrke Franz T. , Ahlstrom David , Bruton Garry D.
Published: June 2011

Although research has made progress in building our understanding of effective turnaround strategies, significant gaps remain in our knowledge about the strategic processes managers can employ to formulate and implement these strategies. Using a historical case of organizational turnaround employed by the U.S. government during the U.S. Civil War, the authors generate new insights into the turnaround process while confirming some previous findings. Through the turnaround actions of President Lincoln and his administration, the U.S. (Union) forces surmounted threats to the country’s survival, turned around the war effort, and ultimately reunited the country while ending the institution of chattel slavery in the United States. The authors’ review of extant turnaround research in tandem with results from this rich case history provides the basis for reexamining existing models of the turnaround process as well as developing propositions to guide future turnaround research, particularly in the areas of crisis reaction, organizational learning, and transformational leadership.
Children’s Exposure to Indoor Particulate Matter in Naturally Ventilated Schools in India
Authors: Habil Mahima , Taneja Ajay
Published: June 2011

The high levels of indoor particulate matter in developing countries and the apparent scale of its impact on the global burden of disease underline the importance of particulate as an environmental health risk and the consequent need for monitoring them particularly in indoor school microenvironments. PM10, PM 2.5 and PM1.0 levels were monitored inside and outside the classrooms of four naturally ventilated schools during winter (December 2007 to January 2008) and summer (April 2008 to May 2008) as seasonal campaigns using Grimm 1.109 along with CO2, temperature, humidity and ventilation rate. Additionally, data on classroom condition, school building, surrounding area and prevalence of health symptoms were collected with the help of a questionnaire. During winter, mean indoor PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentrations ranged up to 497, 220 and 135 μg m —3, which lowered to 3, 3 and 2 times, respectively, in summer as compared to winter. The average indoor/outdoor ratios were found to be >1 at almost all the sites. Furthermore, indoor—outdoor correlations were carried out, indicating poor correlations at all the sites except at one school located in residential area. Inter-particulate ratios in the indoor environments were also obtained, indicating that strong correlations exist in both the campaigns, which were significant at p<0.01.
Variability of BTEX in Residential Indoor Air of Kolkata Metropolitan City
Authors: Majumdar (neé Som) D. , Mukherjee A.K. , Mukhopadhaya K. , Sen S.
Published: June 2011

Mono-aromatic hydrocarbons, namely benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and isomers of xylene (BTEX) were studied within a group of typical urban residences. The average residential indoor levels of BTEX were 42.0, 69.3, 22.8, 52.1 and 21.6 µg·m−3, respectively. The indoor level was found to be significantly dependent on the type of fuel used and extent of ventilation but not on location of the residence or kitchen placement inside the residence. The average indoor/outdoor concentration ratio observed for BTEX > 1; and this indicates the presence of indoor sources for these compounds along with infiltration of outdoor air. The relative variability of the target compounds reveals that indoor sources, other than domestic fuel, like consumer products, cooking, etc., contribute significantly for xylenes and least for benzene. Also with increasing ventilation, the intrusion of outdoor air has definite contribution in increasing the indoor level in descending order for benzene, toluene, m-, p-xylene and ethylbenzene. For o-xylene, a removal effect was observed with increasing rate of ventilation.

The human health risk estimation reveals that the average integrated lifetime cancer risk considering the exposure to benzene and ethylbenzene due to residing for only 15 years in such indoor conditions is 2.9 E−05, which is sufficiently higher than the acceptable risk of 1.0 E−06.
Comparative Assessment of Asbestos-Containing and Alternative Materials in Turkish Industrial Facilities
Authors: Karadagli Fatih
Published: June 2011

The serpentine and amphibole minerals, collectively known as asbestos, have been used in a large number of products. In industrialised nations, these products are strictly regulated because of health concerns, and their consumption has declined significantly in recent decades. In contrast, some developing nations are increasing their use of asbestos products, while others are decreasing it gradually. The developing nations with inadequate control mechanisms will face occupational and environmental consequences of their asbestos use. As a developing nation, Turkey recently regulated asbestos products and airborne fibre concentrations; however, their current status is unknown at this point. Therefore, asbestos and alternative products, and the potential for worker exposure to asbestos fibres are investigated in representative Turkish industrial facilities. The experimental results show that asbestos products containing chrysotile and alternatives containing fibre glass or wollastonite are present in Turkish factories. Some of the asbestos products are manufactured and used commonly, while others are no longer manufactured, though they are in-place. The potential for worker exposure to fibres is assessed in light of the experimental results and similar studies, and the risk of exposure was minimal in these facilities, as asbestos products were non-friable and isolated from the work environment.
Reading the river through ‘watercraft’: environmental engagement through knowledge and practice in freshwater angling
Authors: Eden Sally , Bear Christopher
Published: June 2011

This paper examines how freshwater anglers in northern England ‘read’ rivers as landscapes and work with them relationally, through various sorts of embodied knowledge-practices, as part of their angling activity: processes that they call ‘watercraft’. We focus specifically on water as an environment that anglers encounter as a different world: unlike land and air, water is not an everyday medium in which humans (as terrestrial animals) live and breathe.We use this example of environmental engagement to go beyond visual engagement with landscapes, to show how people develop skills of environmental interpretation, mapping and nonvisual sense-making in ways that are particular to the water encounter. We conclude by arguing for a mutual and multisensory notion of environmental engagement that considers not merely human perception but also how environments, such as water, also shape that encounter.
Still searching for the Promised Land: placing women in Bruce Springsteen’s lyrical landscapes
Authors: Moss Pamela
Published: June 2011

By telling stories about the unevenness of the ideal of the Promised Land, Bruce Springsteen drenches landscapes with individualized renderings that speak to a collective sense of being American and living in America.Yet what is lost in this detail is the awareness that males dominate the American imaginary, that Americans are men, and that their America is masculine. A close, critical reading of Springsteen’s lyrics via Deleuze and Guattari’s ideas of ontological positivity and becoming-woman reveals complexities embedded in his American imaginary, ones rife with iconic images that assist in figuring out how women come to be an intricate part of the story without being the subject of the tale. In reading Springsteen’s lyrical landscapes, ones crafted through the ideal of the Promised Land, I use the unexplored hook of man as subject as a positive mechanism of becoming to show how the lyrics work to place women vis-a-vis men’s journeys to the Promised Land.
Night walking: darkness and sensory perception in a night-time landscape installation
Authors: Morris Nina J
Published: June 2011

Human sensory orders are recalibrated when faced with the reduced illumination levels of the night; it is harder to judge depth and distance, details are obscured, colours muted, and one is obliged to compensate for this loss of visual acuity by drawing on the other senses. Darkness also forces one to question how one’s body is in relation to that which surrounds, challenging one’s human sense of bodily presence and boundary. Focusing on The Storr: Unfolding Landscape, a temporary night-time installation by the environmental arts charity NVA (Nacionale Vite Activa) on the Isle of Skye in 2005, this article draws together contemporary art theory on installation art and recent post-phenomenological work in geography to explore the ways in which individuals experience the nocturnal landscape. In so doing, the article highlights the close connections between these two bodies of work and how they might be usefully employed to advance traditional geographical understandings of landscape in art. At the same time, however, it raises both an empirical concern and a methodological question. First, regarding the uncritical way in which visibility is incorporated into many post-phenomenological accounts of landscape. Second, regarding the validity of focusing on isolated narratives in instances such as this when so much of what the individuals experienced was caused by, or shared with, others.
The Impact of Primary Care Dual-Management on Quality of Care
Authors: Kaboli Peter J. , Shivapour Daniel M. , Henderson Michael S. , Ishani Areef , Charlton Mary E.
Published: June 2011

Background: Discontinuity is common in US healthcare. Patients access multiple systems of care and in the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system, Veteran’s Administration (VA) patients frequently use non-VA primary care providers. The impact of this “dual-management” on quality is unknown. The authors’ objective was to identify dual-management and associations with markers of care quality for hypertension and associated conditions. Methods: Data was collected via surveys and chart reviews of primary care patients with hypertension from six VA clinics in Iowa and Minnesota. Clinical measures abstracted included the following: goal blood pressure (BP) and use of guideline-concordant therapy, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, hemoglobin A1C, and body mass index (BMI). Dual-management data was obtained through self-report. Results: Of 189 subjects (mean age = 66), 36% were dual-managed by non-VA providers. There was no difference in hypertension quality of care measures by dual-management status. A total of 51% were at BP goal and 58% were on guideline-concordant therapy. Dual-managed patients were more likely to use thiazide diuretics (43% vs 29%; P = .03) and angiotensin receptor blockers (13% vs 3%; P < .01), but less likely to use angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (43% vs 61%; P = .02). There was no difference in LDL cholesterol (97.1 mg/dl vs 100.1 mg/dl; P = .55), hemoglobin A1C (7% vs 6%; P = .74), or BMI (29.8 vs 30.9; P = .40) for dual-managed versus VA managed patients, respectively. Conclusions: Although dual-management may decrease continuity, VA/private sector dual-management did not impact quality of care, though some medication differences were observed. With the high prevalence of dual-management, future work should further address quality and evaluate redundancy of services.
Foxp3+ regulatory T cells exert asymmetric control over murine helper responses by inducing Th2 cell apoptosis
Authors: Tian Lei , Altin John A. , Makaroff Lydia E. , Franckaert Dean , Cook Matthew C. , Goodnow Christopher C. , Dooley James , Liston Adrian
Published: June 2011

Foxp3+ regulatory T cells play a pivotal role in maintaining self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. In the absence of regulatory T cells, generalized immune activation and multiorgan T cell–driven pathology occurs. Although the phenomenon of immunologic control by Foxp3+ regulatory T cells is well recognized, the comparative effect over different arms of the immune system has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we generated a cohort of mice with a continuum of regulatory T-cell frequencies ranging from physiologic levels to complete deficiency. This titration of regulatory T-cell depletion was used to determine how different effector subsets are controlled. We found that in vivo Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell frequency had a proportionate relationship with generalized T-cell activation and Th1 magnitude, but it had a surprising disproportionate relationship with Th2 magnitude. The asymmetric regulation was associated with efficient suppression of Th2 cells through additional regulations on the apoptosis rate in Th2 cells and not Th1 cells and could be replicated by CTLA4-Ig or anti–IL-2 Ab. These results indicate that the Th2 arm of the immune system is under tighter control by regulatory T cells than the Th1 arm, suggesting that Th2-driven diseases may be more responsive to regulatory T-cell manipulation.
Directional RNA deep sequencing sheds new light on the transcriptional response of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 to combined-nitrogen deprivation
Authors: Flaherty Britt L , Van Nieuwerburgh F , Head Steven R , Golden James W
Published: June 2011

Background

Cyanobacteria are potential sources of renewable chemicals and biofuels and serve as model organisms for bacterial photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and responses to environmental changes.Anabaena(Nostoc) sp. strain PCC 7120 (hereafterAnabaena) is a multicellular filamentous cyanobacterium that can "fix" atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia when grown in the absence of a source of combined nitrogen. Because the nitrogenase enzyme is oxygen sensitive,Anabaenaforms specialized cells called heterocysts that create a microoxic environment for nitrogen fixation. We have employed directional RNA-seq to map theAnabaenatranscriptome during vegetative cell growth and in response to combined-nitrogen deprivation, which induces filaments to undergo heterocyst development. Our data provide an unprecedented view of transcriptional changes inAnabaenafilaments during the induction of heterocyst development and transition to diazotrophic growth.

Results

Using the Illumina short read platform and a directional RNA-seq protocol, we obtained deep sequencing data for RNA extracted from filaments at 0, 6, 12, and 21 hours after the removal of combined nitrogen. The RNA-seq data provided information on transcript abundance and boundaries for the entire transcriptome. From these data, we detected novel antisense transcripts within the UTRs (untranslated regions) and coding regions of key genes involved in heterocyst development, suggesting that antisense RNAs may be important regulators of the nitrogen response. In addition, many 5' UTRs were longer than anticipated, sometimes extending into upstream open reading frames (ORFs), and operons often showed complex structure and regulation. Finally, many genes that had not been previously identified as being involved in heterocyst development showed regulation, providing new candidates for future studies in this model organism.

Conclusions

Directional RNA-seq data were obtained that provide comprehensive mapping of transcript boundaries and abundance for all transcribed RNAs inAnabaenafilaments during the response to nitrogen deprivation. We have identified genes and noncoding RNAs that are transcriptionally regulated during heterocyst development. These data provide detailed information on theAnabaenatranscriptome as filaments undergo heterocyst development and begin nitrogen fixation.
Relationship of serum bilirubin concentration to kidney function and 24-hour urine protein in Korean adults
Authors: Shin Ho Sik , Jung Yeon Soon , Rim Hark
Published: June 2011

Background

The relationships among serum bilirubin concentration, kidney function and proteinuria have yet to be fully elucidated, nor have these relationships been investigated in Korean adults.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of Korean adults who were evaluated at Kosin University Gospel Hospital (Busan, Republic of Korea) during a five-year period from January 2005 to December 2009. We evaluated the relationships among serum bilirubin concentration, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and 24-hour urinary protein excretion in a sample of 1363 Korean adults aged 18 years or older.

Results

The values of eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 24-hour urine albumin ≥150 mg/day were observed in 26.1% (n = 356) and 40.5% (n = 553) of subjects, respectively. Fasting glucose levels ≥126 mg/dL were observed in 44.9% (n = 612) of the total sample. After adjustment for potential confounding factors including demographic characteristics, comorbidities and other laboratory measures, total serum bilirubin was positively associated with eGFR and negatively associated with proteinuria both in the whole cohort and in a subgroup of diabetic individuals.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first hospital-based study specifically aimed at examining the relationships among serum total bilirubin concentration, 24-hour urine protein and kidney function in Korean adults. We demonstrated that serum total bilirubin concentration was negatively correlated with 24-hour urine protein and positively correlated with eGFR in Korean non-diabetic and diabetic adults.
Elevated transforming growth factor β and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways mediate fibrotic traits of Dupuytren's disease fibroblasts
Authors: Krause Carola , Kloen Peter , ten Dijke Peter
Published: June 2011

Background

Dupuytren's disease is a fibroproliferative disorder of the palmar fascia. The treatment used to date has mostly been surgery, but there is a high recurrence rate. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has been implicated as a key stimulator of myofibroblast activity and fascial contraction in Dupuytren's disease.

Results

We studied Dupuytren's fibroblasts in tissuesex vivoand in cells culturedin vitroand found increased TGF-β expression compared to control fibroblasts. This correlated not only with elevated expression and activation of downstream Smad effectors but also with overactive extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signalling. Treatment with the TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor SB-431542 and bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) led to inhibition of elevated Smad and ERK1/2/MAP kinase signalling as well as to inhibition of the increased contractility of Dupuytren's fibroblasts. BMP6 attenuated TGF-β expression in Dupuytren's fibroblasts, but not in control fibroblasts. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) expression was strongly promoted by TGF-β in Dupuytren's fibroblasts and was curbed by SB-431542 or BMP6 treatment. High basal expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 MAP kinase and fibroproliferative markers was attenuated in Dupuytren's fibroblasts by a selective PDGF receptor kinase inhibitor. Cotreatment of Dupuytren's fibroblasts with SB-431542 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 inhibitor PD98059 was sufficient to abrogate proliferation and contraction of Dupuytren's fibroblasts.

Conclusions

Both TGF-β and ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathways cooperated in mediating the enhanced proliferation and high spontaneous contraction of Dupuytren's fibroblasts. Our data indicate that both signalling pathways are prime targets for the development of nonsurgical intervention strategies to treat Dupuytren's disease.
Post-operative infection and sepsis in humans is associated with deficient gene expression of γccytokines and their apoptosis mediators
Authors: White Mary , Mahon Vivienne , Grealy Robert , Doherty Derek G , Stordeur Patrick , Kelleher Dermot P , McManus Ross , Ryan Thomas
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Lymphocyte homeostasis is dependent on the γc cytokines. We hypothesised that sepsis in humans is associated with differential gene expression of the γc cytokines and their associated apoptosis mediators.

Methods

The study population consisted of a total of 60 patients with severe sepsis, 15 with gram negative bacteraemia, 10 healthy controls and 60 patients undergoing elective lung resection surgery. Pneumonia was diagnosed by CDC NNIC criteria. Gene expression in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) of interleukin (IL)-2, 7, 15 and interferon (IFN)-γ, Bax, Bim, Bcl-2 was determined by qRT-PCR and IL-2 and IL-7 serum protein levels by ELISA. Gene expression of IL-2, 7 and IFN-γ was measured in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), cultured in the presence of lipopolysacharide (LPS) and CD3 binding antibody (CD3ab)

Results

IL-2 gene expression was lower in the bacteraemia group compared with controls, and lower still in the sepsis group (P < 0.0001). IL-7 gene expression was similar in controls and bacteraemia, but lower in sepsis (P < 0.0001). IL-15 gene expression was similar in the three groups. Bcl-2 gene expression was less (P < 0.0001) and Bim gene expression was greater (P = 0.0003) in severe sepsis compared to bacteraemic and healthy controls. Bax gene expression was similar in the three groups.

In lung resection surgery patients, post-operative pneumonia was associated with a perioperative decrease in IL-2 mRNA (P < 0.0001) and IL-7 mRNA (P = 0.003). IL-2 protein levels were reduced in sepsis and bacteraemia compared to controls (P = 0.02) but similar in pneumonia and non-pneumonia groups. IL-7 protein levels were similar in all groups.

In cultured PBLs, IFN-γ gene expression was decreased in response to LPS and increased in response to CD3ab with sepsis: IL-7 gene expression increased in response to LPS in controls and to CD3ab with sepsis; Bcl-2 gene expression decreased in response to combined CD3ab and IL-2 with sepsis.

Conclusions

Patients with infection and sepsis have deficient IL-2 and IL-7 gene expression in PBLs. Aberrant cytokine gene expression may precede the onset of infection.
Dynamic mechanisms for pre-miRNA binding and export by Exportin-5
Authors: Wang Xia , Xu Xue , Ma Zhi , Huo Yingqiu , Xiao Zhengtao , Li Yan , Wang Yonghua
Published: June 2011

The biogenesis and function of mature microRNAs (miRNAs) is dependent on the nuclear export of miRNA precursors (pre-miRNA) by Exportin-5 (Exp5). To characterize the molecular mechanisms of how pre-miRNA is recognized and transported by Exp5, we have performed 21 molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of RNA-bound Exp5 (Exp5–RanGTP–premiRNA, Exp5–RanGDP–premiRNA, Exp5–premiRNA), RNA-unbound Exp5 (Exp5–RanGTP, Exp5–RanGDP, apo–Exp5), and pre-miRNA. Our simulations with standard MD, steered molecular dynamics (SMD), and energy analysis have shown that (1) Free Exp5 undergoes extensive opening motion, and in this way facilitates the RanGTP binding. (2) RanGTP efficiently regulates the association/dissociation of pre-miRNA to its complex by inducing conformational changes in the HEAT-repeat helix stacking of Exp5. (3) The GTP hydrolysis prevents Ran from rebinding to Exp5 by regulating the hydrophobic interfaces and salt bridges between Ran and Exp5. (4) The transition from the A′-form to the A-form of the pre-miRNA modulates the structural complementarities between the protein and the pre-miRNA, thus promoting efficient assembly of the complex. (5) The base-flipping process (from the closed to the fully flipped state) of the 2-nt 3′ overhang is a prerequisite for the pre-miRNA recognition by Exp5, which occurs in a sequence-independent manner as evidenced by the fact that different 2-nt 3′ overhangs bind to Exp5 in essentially the same way. And finally, a plausible mechanism of the pre-miRNA export cycle has been proposed explaining how the protein–protein and protein–RNA interactions are coordinated in physiological conditions.
Potential Inaccuracy of Point-of-Care INR in Dabigatran-Treated Patients
Authors: Baruch Lawrence , Sherman Olga
Published: June 2011

Objective:

To report 2 cases in which point-of-care international normalized ratios (INRs) in dabigatran-treated patients were inaccurate.

Case Summary:

A 59-year-old woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was started on warfarin. After 3 days, warfarin was discontinued, and the decision was made to switch to dabigatran 150 mg twice a day, which was started 2 days after the warfarin was discontinued. As treatment was being converted from warfarin to dabigatran therapy, the woman's primary care physician referred her to our anticoagulation clinic, where her point-of-care INR was 7.2. A laboratory INR performed approximately 30 minutes later was 1.7. Several repeat point-of-care INRs were elevated and discordant with the laboratory INRs. A second patient, a 52-year-old man, was started on dabigatran after an ablation procedure, as a bridge to warfarin. Approximately 16 hours after a single dose of dabigatran etexilate 150 mg, the point-of-care INR was 1.6.

Discussion:

Dabigatran etexilate is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor that is approved for use in thromboprophylaxis of atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis. Dabigatran's predictable pharmacokinetic profile allows for a fixed-dose regimen without the need for coagulation monitoring. In certain clinical situations (eg, switching treatment between dabigatran and warfarin), INR testing is performed as part of routine clinical care. During the development program for dabigatran, laboratory testing of INR was performed, with INRs at therapeutic concentrations of dabigatran ranging from 1.1 to 1.7. Supratherapeutic concentrations of dabigatran elevated the INR to slightly higher levels, between 1.7 and 2.4. Even at extremely high dabigatran concentrations, the INR was generally in the range of 2.3-3.5.

Conclusions:

We advocate laboratory INR testing with simultaneous assessment of the activated partial thromboplastin time in patients who are receiving or who have recently received dabigatran. A prospective evaluation assessing the accuracy of the commonly used point-of-care INR devices in patients receiving dabigatran would confirm our findings with respect to this device and determine whether our findings extend to other commonly used devices.
Effect of oxalic acid pretreatment of wood chips on manufacturing medium-density fiberboard
Authors: Li Xianjun , Cai Zhiyong , Horn Eric , Winandy Jerrold E.
Published: June 2011

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oxalic acid (OA) wood chips pretreatment prior to refining, which is done to reduce energy used during the refining process. Selected mechanical and physical performances of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) – internal bonding (IB), modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) – made from this OA-pretreated wood were tested and the effect of the OA treatment on carbohydrates investigated. The results showed that the OA treatment significantly reduced refining energy usage, and improved MDF dimensional stability and lightness. However, the OA treatment had a negative effect on the internal bonding strength of MDF panels. The amount of extracted carbohydrates was dramatically increased, up to 24 times, by the OA pretreatment. Carbohydrates extracted from wood chips could be a potential sustainable resource for biofuel or bio-based chemicals. This paper is a contribution to the so-called “value prior to pulping (VPP)” concept.
True to Ourselves
Authors: Poole John
Published: June 2011

No Child Left Behind has transformed education, including writing instruction. Teachers must remain true to effective writing practice in order to combat the rising trend of relying on standardized writing tests as the only measure of effective writing. When assessing writing, teachers should be major players in the assessment process, and a wide range of assessments should be used to accurately determine students’ writing abilities.
Writing in a Multiliterate Flat World, Part II
Authors: Stevens Vance
Published: June 2011

This is the second part of a two-part article on how Web 2.0 tools freely available afford so many opportunities for collaboration among writers in the context of social networking, creating the means for student writers to write purposefully for worldwide audiences. Part I set the stage by placing writing in the context of new views of literacy due in part to revoluntionary changes since the turn of the century in how content finds its way to the Internet. It explained how artifacts created with such tools are aggregated and harvested as learning objects with potential to promote and augment communication and collaboration online, and to promote writing by giving students interesting and meaningful ideas to write about, thus significantly changing how the teaching of writing might be re-envisaged in the digital age. Whereas Part I examined the production side of this dynamic, Part II explains how the Internet resolves the marketing side of the role once played by traditional publishing and how writers and audiences can navigate this seemingly chaotic preponderance of content online by tagging their work and using RSS and other aggregation tools to find one another's written work and carry on conversations about it, thus providing truly authentic motivation for their writing.
Rationality and the Literate Mind Harris, Roy (2009)
Authors: Žegarac Vladimir
Published: June 2011

Rationality and the Literate Mind Harris, Roy (2009) New York: Routledge. pp.190 ISBN10: 0-415-99901-4.
Briefing: Promoting construction health and safety through procurement
Authors: Wells Jill , Hawkins John
Published: June 2011

The use of procurement as an instrument to promote improved occupational safety practices among suppliers has received little attention. There is also limited guidance on how to improve standards through procurement. Part 1 of this briefing note sets out the impact of poor health and safety practices on poverty and why using procurement can help to raise health and safety standards. Part 2 provides guidance on how this can be achieved through the procurement process.
Lagos (Nigeria) flooding and influence of urban planning
Authors: Adeloye Adebayo J. , Rustum Rabee
Published: June 2011

The aim of the study was to analyse the causes of the flooding problems being encountered in Lagos (Nigeria) and to recommend sustainable management solutions to them. Data on climate, drainage infrastructures and physical planning regulations were collected and extensively analysed. These were combined with evidence from field inspection and discussion with stakeholders, including relevant government departments, university researchers and selected residents. The investigation revealed that, contrary to popular wisdom, climate change or unusually high rainfall is not the primary cause of the flooding problems in Lagos. Rather, the increased urbanisation, lax planning laws in relation to the erection of buildings in flood plains and the lack or inadequacy of storm drainage facilities in the city are to blame. It is argued that a lasting solution to the flooding problem will require the incorporation of sustainable drainage systems within the existing flood management strategy for the city and planning for this must start now.
Anaerobic baffled reactor treatment of biodiesel-processing wastewater with high strength of methanol and glycerol: reactor performance and biogas production
Authors: Phukingngam Darin , Chavalparit Orathai , Somchai Dararat , Ongwandee Maneerat
Published: June 2011

Biodiesel-processing factories employing the alkali-catalyzed transesterification process generate a large amount of wastewater containing high amount of methanol, glycerol, and oil. As such, wastewater has high potential to produce biogas using anaerobic treatment. The aim of this research was to investigate the performance of an anaerobic baffled reactor for organic removal and biogas production from biodiesel wastewater. The effect of different organic loading rates, varying from 0.5 kg m−3 d−1 to 3.0 kg m−3 d−1 of chemical oxygen demand, was determined using three 22 L reactors, each comprising five separate compartments. Wastewater was pretreated with chemical coagulants to partially remove oil prior to experimentation. Results show that the anaerobic baffled reactor operated at 1.5 kg m−3 d−1 of chemical oxygen demand and ten days of hydraulic retention time provided the best removal efficiencies of 99 % of chemical oxygen demand, 100 % of methanol, and 100 % of glycerol. Increasing the organic loading rate over 1.5 kg m−3 d−1 of chemical oxygen demand led to excessive accumulation of volatile fatty acids thereby making the pH drop to a value unfavorable for methanogenesis. The biogas production rate was 12 L d−1 and the methane composition accounted for 64–74 %. Phase-separated characteristics revealed that the highest chemical oxygen demand removal percentage was achieved in the first compartment and the removal efficiency gradually decreased longitudinally. A scanning electron microscopic study indicated that the most predominant group of microorganisms residing on the external surface of the granular sludge was Methanosarcina.
4β-Isocyanopodophyllotoxins: valuable precursors for the synthesis of new podophyllotoxin analogues
Authors: Liu Ying-Qian , Li Lin-Hai , Li Wen-Qun , Feng Gang , Yang Liu
Published: June 2011

A new and efficient method for the synthesis of novel 4β-isocyanopodophyllotoxins as a valuable building block for the synthesis of versatile bioactive podophyllotoxin analogues under both classical and ultrasonic conditions was developed. In general, significant improvements in rates of reaction and yields of sonochemical reactions relative to the classical ones were observed.
An Effect Size for Regression Predictors in Meta-Analysis
Authors: Aloe Ariel M. , Becker Betsy Jane
Published: June 2011

A new effect size representing the predictive power of an independent variable from a multiple regression model is presented. The index, denoted as rsp, is the semipartial correlation of the predictor with the outcome of interest. This effect size can be computed when multiple predictor variables are included in the regression model and represents a partial effect size in the correlation family. The derivations presented in this article provide the effect size and its variance. Standard errors and confidence intervals can be computed for individual rsp values. Also, meta-analysis of the semipartial correlations can proceed in a similar fashion to typical meta-analyses, where weighted analyses can be used to explore heterogeneity and to estimate central tendency and variation in the effects. The authors provide an example from a meta-analysis of studies of the relationship of teacher verbal ability to school outcomes.
Comparison of Student Self-Assessment with Faculty Assessment of Clinical Competence
Authors: Root Kustritz Margaret V. , Molgaard Laura K. , Rendahl Aaron
Published: June 2011

At the University of Minnesota, fourth-year veterinary students assessed their clinical competence after completion of a small–animal, internal-medicine clinical rotation using the same rotation assessment form used by supervising faculty. Grades were compared between the two groups. Students identified by faculty as low-performing were more likely to overestimate their competence in the areas of knowledge, clinical skill, and professionalism than were students identified by faculty as higher performing. This finding mirrors research results in human health professional training. Self-assessment should not be used as the primary or sole measure of clinical competence in veterinary medical training without the introduction of measures to ensure the accuracy of student self-assessment, measures that include active faculty mentoring of student self-assessment, student goal-setting and reflection, and availability of subsequent opportunities to practice additional self-assessment.