bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Vapor and Mechanical Work: A Comparison of Carnot and Steam Cycles
Authors: Pauluis Olivier
Published: September 2010

The impact of water vapor on the production of kinetic energy in the atmosphere is discussed here by comparing two idealized heat engines: the Carnot cycle and the steam cycle. A steam cycle transports water from a warm moist source to a colder dryer sink. It acts as a heat engine in which the energy source is the latent heat of evaporation. It is shown here that the amount of work produced by a steam cycle depends on relative humidity and is always less than that produced by the corresponding Carnot cycle.

The Carnot and steam cycles can be combined into a mixed cycle that is forced by both sensible and latent heating at the warm source. The work performed depends on four parameters: the total energy transport; the temperature difference between the energy source and sink; the Bowen ratio, which measures the partitioning between the sensible and latent heat transports; and the relative humidity of the atmosphere. The role of relative humidity on the work produced by a steam cycle is discussed in terms of the Gibbs free energy and in terms of the internal entropy production.
Do Migrants Improve Their Hometowns? Remittances and Access to Public Services in Mexico, 1995-2000
Authors: Adida Claire L. , Girod Desha M.
Published: September 2010

How do citizens in developing countries access public services? Scholars study this question by emphasizing the role of government, measuring government performance as household access to public services, such as clean water and sanitation. However, the authors argue that the state does not hold a monopoly on provision of such utilities: Citizens in developing countries often turn to nonstate providers for basic utilities. In Mexico, the authors find that direct money transfers from migrants, known as remittances, are used to provide household access to public services. The statistical analysis across Mexico’s 2,438 municipalities demonstrates that citizens improve their own access. The results also contribute new evidence to the literature on remittances and development by offering a micro-level explanation for how remittances affect both the availability and the source of basic utilities. The findings suggest that the measures scholars typically associate with government performance may in fact capture nonstate provision of basic utilities.
Sin Papeles
Authors: Sabogal Elena , Núñez Lorena
Published: September 2010

Comparison of the experiences of middle-class Peruvian immigrants in South Florida and working-class Peruvian immigrants in Santiago confirms that individuals negotiate the framework of legality differently according to social class. Although the middle-class Peruvians in South Florida were forced to live in what Susan Coutin has called “spaces of nonexistence” there, their interactions with other Peruvians similar to themselves allowed them to retain their middle-class identity regardless of their legal status. In contrast, the working-class Peruvians in Santiago, who lived precariously in both places, were forced to compete with each other for jobs and to rely on their employers for regularization of their status, and therefore they could not count on the solidarity of other immigrants like themselves to bolster their sense of belonging.
Migration, Gender, and Politics
Authors: Escrivá Angeles , Santa Cruz Ursula , Bermúdez Anastasia
Published: September 2010

Emigrant support for 2006 Peruvian presidential candidate Lourdes Flores (the choice of the conservative Unidad Nacional coalition) was enough to win her the first electoral round abroad, but this tendency was not reflected in Peru. Data gathered during a 2006 study in Spain highlight the importance of gender and ideological reasons for understanding the electoral behavior of Peruvian migrants. Peruvian emigrant communities have the potential to play a crucial role in Peruvian politics not only in electoral choices but also in the form of political “remittances” flowing through these increasingly influential transnational social spaces.
El Quinto Suyo
Authors: Berg Ulla D.
Published: September 2010

Since the 1980s, political instability and national and global economic crisis have increasingly undermined the ability of the Peruvian state to maintain a viable national economy and sustain its population. The past decade has seen efforts by the state to reclaim emigrant citizens and facilitate their incorporation into a redefined Peruvian nation that extends beyond the country’s borders. Examination of two instances of the struggle over extraterritorial membership and the processes of inclusion and exclusion emerging from this struggle suggests that by extending both symbolic and material membership to the emigrant population the Peruvian state is restructuring and reconceptualizing itself in the context of a changing global economy.
Servant Leadership: A Review and Synthesis
Authors: van Dierendonck Dirk
Published: September 2010

Servant leadership is positioned as a new field of research for leadership scholars. This review deals with the historical background of servant leadership, its key characteristics, the available measurement tools, and the results of relevant studies that have been conducted so far. An overall conceptual model of servant leadership is presented. It is argued that leaders who combine their motivation to lead with a need to serve display servant leadership. Personal characteristics and culture are positioned alongside the motivational dimension. Servant leadership is demonstrated by empowering and developing people; by expressing humility, authenticity, interpersonal acceptance, and stewardship; and by providing direction. A high-quality dyadic relationship, trust, and fairness are expected to be the most important mediating processes to encourage self-actualization, positive job attitudes, performance, and a stronger organizational focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
The embryotoxicity of sera from patients with autoimmune diseases on post-implantation rat embryos in culture persists during remission and is not related to oxidative stress
Authors: Ergaz Z. , Mevorach D. , Goldzweig G. , Cohen A. , Patlas N. , Yaffe P. , Blank M. , Shoenfeld Y. , Ornoy A.
Published: September 2010

We evaluated the embryolethality and embryotoxicity of sera from patients suffering from autoimmune diseases during remission on post-implantation rat embryos cultured on these sera and determined the association between the patients’ clinical history, high blood levels of specific antibodies, medications, and oxidative stress parameters. One hundred and eighty, 10.5-day-old rat embryos were cultured in their yolk sacs in 33 sera of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients, and compared with 84 embryos cultured in rat sera and 88 embryos cultured in control human sera. The sera proved to be lethal and embryotoxic but not teratogenic resulting in smaller yolk sacs and embryos, lower protein level and lower developmental score. Significantly less embryos cultured in ‘toxic’ SLE/APS sera had peak 2 of low molecular weight antioxidants (LMWA) wave, implying a delayed maturation of the antioxidant defense. Lower peak 1 of LMWA correlated with a history of recurrent abortions. Embryonic levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) did not correlate with sera toxicity, patients’ clinical history or specific antibodies. We conclude that SLE/APS patients’ clinical remission did not prevent death or developmental delay accompanied by later appearance of peak 2 of LMWA in post-implantation rat embryo cultures. The normal levels of the antioxidant enzymes evaluated may indicate that sera toxicity is not related to oxidative stress. Lupus (2010) 19, 1623—1631.
Applying Research to Build Healthy Families: An Interview With Les and Leslie Parrott
Authors: Serres Sheryl A.
Published: September 2010

In this interview, Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott share their mission that forms the basis of the many materials they have produced. The authors of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts, SYMBIS, aim to provide practical help for marriages that will, in turn, result in healthier families for children. Leslie’s style is warm, personable, and passionate for their mission to help couples and families. Les is witty, inspiring, and task committed for making it happen. Together, they offer entertaining and information-filled workshops for couples and clinicians, as well as practical books and an engaging website. The Parrotts seek to take important research findings and condense them into principles and concepts that couples can readily apply to their own relationships and families. Their website (www.realrelationships.com) includes free assessment tools and videos along with other practical materials to which clinicians can refer clients for supports that enhance therapy.
Hitting the jackpot (or not): an attempt to extract value in Philadelphia’s casino controversy
Authors: Calvano Lisa , Andersson Lynne
Published: September 2010

Beginning in the late 1980s, casinos became a favoured neoliberal economic development strategy for cash-strapped states and municipalities. During the same time period, the political power and profitability of the gaming industry increased, while opposition from communities grew. A recent example of this phenomenon is the controversy that ensued after Pennsylvania’s legalization of slot machines and the subsequent selection of two casino sites in Philadelphia. Our study analyses the Philadelphia casino controversy using a critical case study approach and the theoretical framework of accumulation by dispossession.We argue that the situation in Philadelphia represents attempted value extraction by corporate and government elites from communities and citizens. Moreover, the nature of the value extraction goes beyond the economic, impinging on the social dimensions of community life.
Ownership matters: private equity and the political division of ownership
Authors: Erturk Ismail , Froud Julie , Johal Sukhdev , Leaver Adam , Williams Karel
Published: September 2010

This article returns to the issue of how ownership matters. It does so by developing a critique of the ‘advantage-value-return’ framework of assumptions about value creation from the product market, which are recurrent in resource based strategy and many other discourses that highlight what managers can do and the variable governance of management by owners. It then uses a case analysis of private equity and presents empirics which show how the financier general partners capture value so that general partners are enriched regardless of the performance of their investment funds. While private equity publicly claims to represent ownership with control for strategic decision making and operating efficiency, the undisclosed generic business model is the control of ownership through constructing a hierarchy of ownership claims for debt and equity suppliers in the capital market. Before or after the financial crisis that began in 2007, what matters is the position of the general partner as first among owners, not the motives, identity and actions of managers or the different suppliers of debt and equity.
Emission trading: Participation enforcement determines the need for compliance enforcement
Authors: Aakre Stine , Hovi Jon
Published: September 2010

We identify and explain significant differences between the compliance enforcement systems of three cap-and-trade programmes: the European Union’s Emission Trading Scheme (EU-ETS), the US SO2 emission trading programme and the Kyoto Protocol. Because EU-ETS’s compliance enforcement system is somewhat less potent than that of US SO2, but vastly more potent than Kyoto’s, it might be tempting to predict that EU-ETS will (1) not quite achieve the SO2 programme’s near-perfect compliance rates, yet (2) achieve significantly better compliance rates than Kyoto. However, we offer a novel theoretical framework suggesting that how compliance enforcement affects compliance will depend on how the emission trading programme addresses participation. We conclude that while (1) will likely prove correct, (2) will not; Kyoto may even outperform EU-ETS compliance-wise because whereas EU-ETS (and US SO2) specify mandatory participation, most Kyoto member countries participate voluntarily.
Is big brother watching? Commission oversight of the national implementation of EU directives
Authors: Steunenberg Bernard
Published: September 2010

In this article I analyse the role of the European Commission in monitoring the transposition and implementation of EU Directives. The point of departure is that the Commission, like any political actor, has policy preferences that affect how it shapes its overseeing role. The Commission’s responses may vary between being ‘the guardian of the treaties’, not allowing for any changes, and a ‘silent witness’, permitting member states to set their own, deviating national policies. These different responses are consistent with empirical findings showing that the Commission is rather selective in starting infringement procedures. ‘Big brother is watching’ the member states, but this is evident only when interests clash and the Commission receives sufficient support from the European Court of Justice or the other member states.
AIDS-related Burkitt lymphoma in the United States: what do age and CD4 lymphocyte patterns tell us about etiology and/or biology?
Authors: Guech-Ongey Mercy , Simard Edgar P. , Anderson William F. , Engels Eric A. , Bhatia Kishor , Devesa Susan S. , Mbulaiteye Sam M.
Published: September 2010

Trimodal or bimodal age-specific incidence rates for Burkitt lymphoma (BL) were observed in the United States general population, but the role of immunosuppression could not be excluded. Incidence rates, rate ratios, and 95% confidence intervals for BL and other non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), by age and CD4 lymphocyte count categories, were estimated using Poisson regression models using data from the United States HIV/AIDS Cancer Match study (1980-2005). BL incidence was 22 cases per 100 000 person-years and 586 for non-BL NHL. Adjusted BL incidence rate ratio among males was 1.6× that among females and among non-Hispanic blacks, 0.4× that among non-Hispanic whites, but unrelated to HIV-transmission category. Non-BL NHL incidence increased from childhood to adulthood; in contrast, 2 age-specific incidence peaks during the pediatric and adult/geriatric years were observed for BL. Non-BL NHL incidence rose steadily with decreasing CD4 lymphocyte counts; in contrast, BL incidence was lowest among people with ≤ 50 CD4 lymphocytes/μL versus those with ≥ 250 CD4 lymphocytes/μL (incidence rate ratio 0.3 [95% confidence interval = 0.2-0.6]). The bimodal peaks for BL, in contrast to non-BL NHL, suggest effects of noncumulative risk factors at different ages. Underascertainment or biological reasons may account for BL deficit at low CD4 lymphocyte counts.
Quantification of vestibular-induced eye movements in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Mo Weike , Chen Fangyi , Nechiporuk Alex , Nicolson Teresa
Published: September 2010

Background

Vestibular reflexes coordinate movements or sensory input with changes in body or head position. Vestibular-evoked responses that involve the extraocular muscles include the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), a compensatory eye movement to stabilize retinal images. Although an angular VOR attributable to semicircular canal stimulation was reported to be absent in free-swimming zebrafish larvae, recent studies reveal that vestibular-induced eye movements can be evoked in zebrafish larvae by both static tilts and dynamic rotations that tilt the head with respect to gravity.

Results

We have determined herein the basis of sensitivity of the larval eye movements with respect to vestibular stimulus, developmental stage, and sensory receptors of the inner ear. For our experiments, video recordings of larvae rotated sinusoidally at 0.25 Hz were analyzed to quantitate eye movements under infrared illumination. We observed a robust response that appeared as early as 72 hours post fertilization (hpf), which increased in amplitude over time. Unlike rotation about an earth horizontal axis, rotation about an earth vertical axis at 0.25 Hz did not evoke eye movements. Moreover, vestibular-induced responses were absent in mutant cdh23 larvae and larvae lacking anterior otoliths.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence for a functional vestibulo-oculomotor circuit in 72 hpf zebrafish larvae that relies upon sensory input from anterior/utricular otolith organs.
Expression of CIAPIN1 in human colorectal cancer and its correlation with prognosis
Authors: Shi Hai , Zhou Yi , Liu Heliang , Chen Changsheng , Li Shujun , Li Nanlin , Li Xiaohua , Zhang Xi , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Weizhong , Zhao Qingchuan
Published: September 2010

Background

The cytokine-induced anti-apoptotic molecule (CIAPIN1) had been found to be a differentially-expressed gene involved in a variety of cancers, and it was also considered as a candidate tumour suppressor gene in gastric cancer, renal cancer and liver cancer. However, studies on the role of CIAPIN1 in colorectal cancer were still unavailable. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic impact of CIAPIN1 in 273 colorectal cancer (CRC) samples and to investigate the CIAPIN1 expression in CRC cell lines after inducing differentiation.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect the expression of CIAPIN1 in CRC samples from 273 patients. The relationship between CIAPIN1 expression and patients' characteristics (gender, age, location of cancer, UICC stage, local recurrence and tumour grade factors) was evaluated. In addition, these patients were followed up for five consecutive years to investigate the relationship between CIAPIN1 expression and the prognosis of CRC. We induced the differentiation of the CRC cell lines HT29 and SW480, in order to detect the expression of CIAPIN1 in the process of CRC cells differentiation.

Results

Results indicated that CIAPIN1 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus, and that its expression level in cancer samples was significantly lower than in normal tissues. The Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test showed a significant difference in the differential expression of CIAPIN1 in patients with different T and UICC stages, and tumour grade (P = 0.0393, 0.0297 and 0.0397, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the survival time of CRC patients with high expression of CIAPIN1 was longer than those with low expression during the 5-year follow up period (P = 0.0002). COX regression analysis indicated that low expression of CIAPIN1, cancer stage of > pT1, distant organ metastasis (pM1), regional lymph node metastasis (> pN1) and local recurrence (yes) were independent, poor prognostic factors of CRC (P = 0.012, P = 0.032, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001 respectively). Both Western blotting and RT-PCR showed that CIAPIN1 expression was increased with the degree of differentiation of HT29 and SW480 cells.

Conclusions

CIAPIN1 played an important role in the differentiation of CRC cells, and the differential expression of CIAPIN1 in CRC was closely related to prognosis.
Wound contraction effects and antibacterial properties of Tualang honey on full-thickness burn wounds in rats in comparison to hydrofibre
Authors: Khoo Yan-Teng , Halim Ahmad Sukari , Singh Kirnpal-Kaur B , Mohamad Noor-Ayunie
Published: September 2010

Background

Full-thickness burn wounds require excision and skin grafting. Multiple surgical procedures are inevitable in managing moderate to severe full-thickness burns. Wound bed preparations prior to surgery are necessary in order to prevent wound infection and promote wound healing. Honey can be used to treat burn wounds. However, not all the honey is the same. This study aims to evaluate the wound contraction and antibacterial properties of locally-producedTualanghoney on managing full-thickness burn woundsin vivo.

Methods

Thirty-six femaleSprague Dawleyrats were randomly divided into three groups. Under anaesthesia, three full-thickness burn wounds were created on the dorsum of the rats. The full-thickness burn wounds were inoculated with a specific organism (104), namelyPseudomonas aeruginosa(n = 12),Klebsiella pneumoniae(n = 12), orAcinetobacter baumannii(n = 12). The three burn wounds were dressed withTualanghoney, hydrofibre and hydrofibre silver respectively. Swab samples were obtained every 3 days (day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21) for quantitative and semi-quantitative microbiological analyses. Clinical assessments, including observations concerning the appearance and wound size, were measured at the same time.

Results

There was a rapid 32.26% reduction in wound size by day 6 (p= 0.008) in theTualanghoney-treated wounds, and 49.27% by day 15 (p= 0.005). The wounds remained smaller by day 18 (p< 0.032).Tualanghoney-treated rats demonstrated a reduction in bacterial growth inPseudomonas aeruginosainoculated wounds (p= 0.005). However, hydrofibre silver and hydrofibre-treated wounds are superior to honey-treated wounds withAcinetobacter baumannii(p= 0.035). There was no statistical significant of antibacterial property inKlebsiella pneumoniainoculated wounds.

Conclusions

Tualanghoney has better results with regards to its control ofPseudomonas aeruginosaand its wound contraction effects on full-thickness burn woundin vivo.
Cooperative and individualistic functions of the microRNAs in the miR-23a~27a~24-2 cluster and its implication in human diseases
Authors: Chhabra Ravindresh , Dubey Richa , Saini Neeru
Published: September 2010

The small RNA molecules of about 19-22 nucleotides in length, aptly called microRNAs, perform the task of gene regulation in the cell. Interestingly, till the early nineties very little was known about them but eventually, the microRNAs have become forefront in the area of research. The huge number of microRNAs plus each one of them targeting a vast number of related as well as unrelated genes makes them very interesting molecules to study. To add to the mystery of miRNAs is the fact that the same miRNA can have antagonizing role in two different cell types i.e. in one cell type; the miRNA promotes proliferation whereas in another cell type the same miRNA inhibits proliferation. Another remarkable aspect of the microRNAs is that many of them exist in clusters. In humans alone, out of 721 microRNAs known, 247 of them occur in 64 clusters at an inter-miRNA distance of less than 5000bp. The reason for this clustering of miRNAs is not fully understood but since the miRNA clusters are evolutionary conserved, their significance cannot be ruled out. The objective of this review is to summarize the recent progress on the functional characterization of miR-23a~27a~24-2 cluster in humans in relation to various health and diseased conditions and to highlight the cooperative effects of the miRNAs of this cluster.
Anti-CDC25B autoantibody predicts poor prognosis in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dong Jun , Zeng Bo-hang , Xu Li-hua , Wang Jun-ye , Li Man-Zhi , Zeng Mu-sheng , Liu Wan-li
Published: September 2010

Background

The oncogene CDC25B phosphatase plays an important role in cancer cell growth. We have recently reported that patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have significantly higher serum levels of CDC25B autoantibodies (CDC25B-Abs) than both healthy individuals and patients with other types of cancer; however, the potential diagnostic or prognostic significance of CDC25B-Abs is not clear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance of serum CDC25B-Abs in patients with ESCC.

Methods

CDC25B autoantibodies were measured in sera from both 134 patients with primary ESCC and 134 healthy controls using a reverse capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in which anti-CDC25B antibodies bound CDC25B antigen purified from Eca-109 ESCC tumor cells. The clinicopathologic significance of CDC25B serum autoantibodies was compared to that of the tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) and cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen 21-1(CYFRA21-1).

Results

Higher levels of CDC25B autoantibodies were present in sera from patients with ESCC (A450 = 0.917, SD = 0.473) than in sera from healthy control subjects (A450 = 0.378, SD = 0.262, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for CDC25B-Abs was 0.870 (95% CI: 0.835-0.920). The sensitivity and specificity of CDC25B-Abs for detection of ESCC were 56.7% and 91.0%, respectively, when CDC25-Abs-positive samples were defined as those with an A450 greater than the cut-off value of 0.725. Relatively few patients tested positive for the tumor markers CEA, SCC-Ag and CYFRA21-1 (13.4%, 17.2%, and 32.1%, respectively). A significantly higher number of patients with ESCC tested positive for a combination of CEA, SCC, CYFRA21-1 and CDC25B-Abs (64.2%) than for a combination of CEA, SCC-Ag and CYFRA21-1 (41.0%, P < 0.001). The concentration of CDC25B autoantibodies in serum was significantly correlated with tumor stage (P < 0.001). Although examination of the total patient pool showed no obvious relationship between CDC25B autoantibodies and overall survival, in the subgroup of patients with stage III-IV tumors, the cumulative five-year survival rate of CDC25B-seropositive patients was 6.7%, while that of CDC25B-seronegative patients was 43.4% (P = 0.001, log-rank). In the N1 subgroup, the cumulative five-year survival rate of CDC25B-seropositive patients was 13.6%, while that of CDC25B-seronegative patients was 54.5% (P = 0.040, log-rank).

Conclusions

Detection of serum CDC25B-Abs is superior to detection of the tumor markers CEA, SCC-Ag and CYFRA21-1 for diagnosis of ESCC, and CDC25B-Abs are a potential prognostic serological marker for advanced ESCC.
Bioaccessibility, bioavailability and toxicity of commercially relevant iron- and chromium-based particles: in vitro studies with an inhalation perspective
Authors: Hedberg Yolanda , Gustafsson Johanna , Karlsson Hanna L , Möller Lennart , Wallinder Inger Odnevall
Published: September 2010

Background

Production of ferrochromium alloys (FeCr), master alloys for stainless steel manufacture, involves casting and crushing processes where particles inevitably become airborne and potentially inhaled. The aim of this study was to assess potential health hazards induced by inhalation of different well-characterized iron- and chromium-based particles, i.e. ferrochromium (FeCr), ferrosiliconchromium (FeSiCr), stainless steel (316L), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and chromium(III)oxide (Cr2O3), in different size fractions using in vitro methods. This was done by assessing the extent and speciation of released metals in synthetic biological medium and by analyzing particle reactivity and toxicity towards cultured human lung cells (A549).

Results

The amount of released metals normalized to the particle surface area increased with decreasing particle size for all alloy particles, whereas the opposite situation was valid for particles of the pure metals. These effects were evident in artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF) of pH 4.5 containing complexing agents, but not in neutral or weakly alkaline biological media. Chromium, iron and nickel were released to very low extent from all alloy particles, and from particles of Cr due to the presence of a Cr(III)-rich protective surface oxide. Released elements were neither proportional to the bulk nor to the surface composition after the investigated 168 hours of exposure. Due to a surface oxide with less protective properties, significantly more iron was released from pure iron particles compared with the alloys. Cr was predominantly released as Cr(III) from all particles investigated and was strongly complexed by organic species of ALF. Cr2O3 particles showed hemolytic activity, but none of the alloy particles did. Fine-sized particles of stainless steel caused however DNA damage, measured with the comet assay after 4 h exposure. None of the particles revealed any significant cytotoxicity in terms of cell death after 24 h exposure.

Conclusion

It is evident that particle and alloy characteristics such as particle size and surface composition are important aspects to consider when assessing particle toxicity and metal release from alloy particles compared to pure metal particles. Generated results clearly elucidate that neither the low released concentrations of metals primarily as a result of protective and poorly soluble surface oxides, nor non-bioavailable chromium complexes, nor the particles themselves of occupational relevance induced significant acute toxic response, with exception of DNA damage from stainless steel.
T regulatory cells and attenuated bleomycin-induced fibrosis in lungs of CCR7-/- mice
Authors: Trujillo Glenda , Hartigan Adam J , Hogaboam Cory M
Published: September 2010

Background

C-C chemokine receptor (CCR)7 is a regulator of dendritic cell and T cell migration, and its role in tissue wound healing has been investigated in various disease models. We have previously demonstrated that CCR7 and its ligand, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)21, modulates wound repair in pulmonary fibrosis (PF) but the mechanism of this is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the absence of CCR7 protects against bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF. CCR7-/- mice failed to mount a fibrotic pulmonary response as assessed by histologic collagen staining and quantification by hydroxyproline. We hypothesized that the prominent characteristics of CCR7-/- mice, including elevated levels of cytokine and chemokine mediators and the presence of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) might be relevant to the protective phenotype.

Results

Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in CCR7+/+ and CCR7-/- mice via a single intratracheal injection of BLM. We found that the lung cytokine/chemokine milieu associated with the absence of CCR7 correlated with an increase in BALT, and might be attributable to regulatory T cell (Treg) homeostasis and trafficking within the lungs and lymph nodes. In response to BLM challenge, CCR7-/- mice exhibited an early, steady increase in lung CD4+ T cells and increased CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Tregs in the lungs 21 days after challenge. These findings are consistent with increased lung expression of interleukin-2 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in CCR7-/- mice, which promote Treg expansion.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that the protective phenotype associated with BLM-treated CCR7-/- mice correlates with the presence of BALT and the anchoring of Tregs in the lungs of CCR7-/- mice. These data provide novel evidence to support the further investigation of CCR7-mediated Treg trafficking in the modulation of BLM-induced PF.
Joint Inerts Task Force: Partnership of Suppliers and Registrants to Defend Inert Ingredients within United States Regulatory System
Authors: Swayze Karen M. , Cleveland Cheryl B.
Published: September 2010

This paper discusses a suite of regulatory actions and decisions made by the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs for the regulation of inert ingredients used in pesticidal products. It describes the framework of the Joint Inerts Task Force and corresponding cluster teams, which was formed by industry suppliers and registrants to address data gaps and submit tolerance exemptions petitions to comply with regulatory requirements for groups of co-formulants. Finally, it describes the risk assessment process used for recent 2009 decisions.
Wetting Behaviour and Evolution of Microstructure of Sn–Ag–Zn Solders on Copper Substrates with Different Surface Textures
Authors: Satyanarayan  , Prabhu K. Narayan
Published: September 2010

The effect of surface roughness on wetting behaviour and evolution of microstructure of two lead-free solders (Sn-2.625Ag-2.25Zn and Sn-1.75Ag-4.5Zn) on copper substrate was investigated. Both solders exhibited good wettability on copper substrates having rough surface and lower wettabilty on smooth surfaces. The contact angles of solders decreased linearly with increase in surface roughness of the substrate. The exponential power law, ϕ=exp(−Kτn), was used to model the relaxation behaviour of solders. A high intermetallic growth was observed at the interface particularly on copper substrates with rough surface texture. A thin continuous interface showing scallop intermetallic compounds (IMC) was obtained on smooth surfaces. With an increase in surface roughness, the IMC morphology changed from scallop shaped to needle type at the Sn-2.625Ag-2.25Zn solder/substrate interface and nodular to plate like IMCs for Sn-1.75Ag-4.5Zn solder matrix.
Temperature Effects on Triaxial Shear Strength of Granular Composite Sport Surfaces
Authors: Bridge J. W. , Peterson M. L. , McIlwraith C. W. , Beaumont R. M.
Published: September 2010

Triaxial compression tests at a range of confining pressures and temperatures were conducted for wax-coated granular composite materials. The materials investigated for this work are surfaces that are used for thoroughbred horse racing. The purpose of these tests is to examine how track shear strength and cohesion at a range of loads respond to changes in temperature. A wide range of operational temperatures is experienced by these materials in use, which has been shown to impact performance. Preliminary results show that both shear strength and material cohesion are sensitive to temperature changes with maximum strength and cohesion correlating with the thermal transitions in the wax. For both operational tracks tested, the shear strength peaks at temperatures within or near the end of the first thermal differential scanning calorimetry transition region and is immediately followed by a significant drop in strength. Appropriate wax additions may reduce the effect of temperature on shear strength, which may lead to more consistent track surfaces. These results provide a basis for maintenance decisions that can reduce the effect of temperature on the track performance.
Leukotrienes modulate secretion of progesterone and prostaglandins during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in cattle: an in vivo study
Authors: Korzekwa Anna J , Bah Mamadou M , Kurzynowski Andrzej , Lukasik Karolina , Groblewska Agnieszka , Skarzynski Dariusz J
Published: September 2010

Recently, we showed that leukotrienes (LTs) regulate ovarian cell functionin vitro. The aim of this study was to examine the role of LTs in corpus luteum (CL) function during both the estrous cycle and early pregnancyin vivo. mRNA expression of LT receptors (BLTfor LTB4andCYSLTfor LTC4), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) in CL tissue and their localization in the ovary were studied during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Moreover, concentrations of LTs (LTB4and C4) in the CL tissue and blood were measured.5-LOandBLTmRNA expression increased on days 16–18 of the cycle, whereasCYSLTmRNA expression increased on days 16–18 of the pregnancy. The level of LTB4was evaluated during pregnancy compared with the level of LTC4, which increased during CL regression. LT antagonists influenced the duration of the estrous cycle: the LTC4antagonist (azelastine) prolonged the luteal phase, whereas the LTB4antagonist (dapsone) caused earlier luteolysisin vivo. Dapsone decreased progesterone (P4) secretion and azelastine increased P4secretion during the estrous cycle. In summary, LT action in the bovine reproductive tract is dependent on LT type: LTB4is luteotropic during the estrous cycle and supports early pregnancy, whereas LTC4is luteolytic, regarded as undesirable in early pregnancy. LTs are produced/secreted in the CL tissue, influence prostaglandin function, and serve as important factors during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in cattle.
Lambda Red Recombineering inEscherichia coliOccurs Through a Fully Single-Stranded Intermediate
Authors: Mosberg J A , Lajoie M J , Church G M
Published: September 2010

The phage lambda-derived Red recombination system is a powerful tool for making targeted genetic changes in Escherichia coli, providing a simple and versatile method for generating insertion, deletion, and point mutations on chromosomal, plasmid, or BAC targets. However, despite the common use of this system, the detailed mechanism by which lambda Red mediates double-stranded DNA recombination remains uncertain. Current mechanisms posit a recombination intermediate in which both 5′ ends of double-stranded DNA are recessed by λ exonuclease, leaving behind 3′ overhangs. Here, we propose an alternative in which lambda exonuclease entirely degrades one strand, while leaving the other strand intact as single-stranded DNA. This single-stranded intermediate then recombines via beta recombinase-catalyzed annealing at the replication fork. We support this by showing that single-stranded gene insertion cassettes are recombinogenic and that these cassettes preferentially target the lagging strand during DNA replication. Furthermore, a double-stranded DNA cassette containing multiple internal mismatches shows strand-specific mutations cosegregating roughly 80% of the time. These observations are more consistent with our model than with previously proposed models. Finally, by using phosphorothioate linkages to protect the lagging-targeting strand of a double-stranded DNA cassette, we illustrate how our new mechanistic knowledge can be used to enhance lambda Red recombination frequency. The mechanistic insights revealed by this work may facilitate further improvements to the versatility of lambda Red recombination.
When Cre-Mediated Recombination in Mice Does Not Result in Protein Loss
Authors: Turlo Kirsten A , Gallaher Sean D , Vora Roshni , Laski Frank A , Iruela-Arispe M Luisa
Published: September 2010

Cre/loxP recombination enables cellular specificity and, in the case of inducible systems, temporal control of genomic deletions. Here we used a SM22α tamoxifen-inducible Cre line to inactivate β1 integrin in adult smooth muscle. Interestingly, analysis of two distinct β1 loxP transgenic mice revealed vastly different outcomes after β1 integrin deletion. Lethality occurred 4 weeks postinduction in one Cre/loxP line, while no apparent phenotype was seen in the other line. Genetic analysis revealed appropriate DNA excision in both cases; however, differences were found in the degree of protein loss with absolutely no change in protein levels in the model that lacked a phenotype. Seeking to understand protein persistence despite appropriate recombination, we first validated the flox allele using a constitutive Cre line and demonstrated its ability to mediate effective protein inactivation. We then examined the possibility of heterozygous cell selection, protein turnover, and deletion efficiency with no success for explaining the phenotype. Finally, we documented the presence of the Cre-recombination episomal product, which persisted in tissue samples with no protein loss. The product was only noted in cells with low proliferative capacity. These findings highlight the potential for protein expression from the products of Cre-recombinase excised genes, particularly when deletion occurs in low turnover populations.
Migration Behavior of Alkali Earth Ions in Compacted Bentonite With Iron Corrosion Product Using Electrochemical Method
Authors: Idemitsu Kazuya , Akiyama Daisuke , Eto Akira , Matsuki Yoshihiko , Inagaki Yaohiro , Arima Tatsumi
Published: September 2010

Carbon steel overpack will corrode by consuming oxygen introduced during repository construction after closure of repository, that will keep the environment in the vicinity of repository reducing. The iron corrosion products can migrate in bentonite as ferrous cations (Fe2+) through the interlayer of montmorillonite replacing the exchangeable sodium ions in the interlayer. This replacement of sodium may affect the migration behavior in the altered bentonite not only for redox-sensitive elements but also the other ions. Therefore we have carried out electrochemical analysis, of calcium, strontium or barium with the ferrous ion supplied by anodic corrosion of iron coupons in compacted bentonite. Fifteen micro liters of tracer solution containing 8.6 M of CaCl2 or 3.0 M of SrCl2 or 1.5 M BaCl2 were sspiked on the interface between the iron coupon and bentonite, for which the dry density was in the range of 1.4 to 1.5 Mg/m3, before assembling. The iron coupons were connected as working electrodes to the potentiostat and held at a constant supplied potential between - 500 to +300 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode) for up to 7 days. Calcium and strontium could migrate faster and deeper into the bentonite than iron in each condition, while barium could migrate slower than iron. A model using dispersion and electromigration can explain the measured profiles in the bentonite specimens. The fitted value of electromigration velocity was a function of applied electrical potential and 10 to 23 nm/s for calcium, 11 to 19 for strontium, around 4 nm/s for barium and 5 to 15 nm/s for iron, respectively. Alternatively, the fitted value of the dispersion coefficient was not a function of applied potential, and the values were 3 - 8 × 10-12 m2/s for calcium, 2 - 4 × 10-12 m2/s for strontium, 5 - 10 × 10-12m2/s for barium and 3 - 9 × 10-12 m2/s for iron, respectively.
Submucous Cleft Palate and Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: Comparison of Speech Outcomes Using Three Operative Techniques by One Surgeon
Authors: Sullivan Stephen R. , Vasudavan Sivabalan , Marrinan Eileen M. , Mulliken John B.
Published: September 2010

Objective

Our purpose was to compare speech outcomes among three primary procedures for symptomatic submucous cleft palate (SMCP): two-flap palatoplasty with muscular retropositioning, double-opposing Z-palatoplasty, or pharyngeal flap.

Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary hospital.

Patients, Participants

All children with SMCP treated by the senior author between 1984 and 2008.

Interventions

One of three primary procedures: two-flap palatoplasty with muscular retropositioning, double-opposing Z-palatoplasty, or pharyngeal flap.

Main outcome Measures

Speech outcome and need for a secondary operation were analyzed among procedures. Success was defined as normal or borderline competent velopharyngeal function. Failure was defined as persistent borderline insufficiency or velopharyngeal insufficiency with recommendation for a secondary operation.

Results

We identified 58 patients with SMCP who were treated for velopharyngeal insufficiency. We found significant differences in median age at operation among the procedures ( p < .001). Two-flap palatoplasty with muscular retropositioning (n = 24), double-opposing Z-palatoplasty (n = 19), and pharyngeal flap (n = 15) were performed at a median of 2.5, 3.6, and 9.5 years, respectively. There were significant differences in success among procedures (p = .018). Normal or borderline competent function was achieved in 6/20 (30%) patients who underwent two-flap palatoplasty, 10/15 (67%) following double-opposing Z-palatoplasty, and 11/12 (92%) following pharyngeal flap. Among patients treated with palatoplasty, success was independent of age at operation (p = .16).

Conclusions

Double-opposing Z-palatoplasty is more effective than two-flap palatoplasty with muscular retropositioning. For children older than 4 years, primary pharyngeal flap is also highly successful but equally so as a secondary operation and can be reserved, if necessary, following double-opposing Z-palatoplasty.
Mothers' and Fathers' Reports of Stress in Families of Infants with and without Single-Suture Craniosynostosis
Authors: Rosenberg Janine M. , Kapp-Simon Kathleen A. , Starr Jacqueline R. , Cradock Mary Michaeleen , Speltz Matthew L.
Published: September 2010

Objective

To compare relative levels of stress reported by mothers and fathers in families containing infants with and without single-suture craniosynostosis.

Design

Case-control study.

Participants

Mothers and fathers of 246 infants with recently diagnosed single-suture craniosynostosis and 253 frequency-matched control infants completed the Parenting Stress Index just prior to their infant's cranioplastic surgery. Family demographic information and mothers' ratings of the severity of their child's single-suture craniosynostosis were obtained.

Results

Average Parent Domain scores for parents of infants with single-suture craniosynostosis differed little from those reported by parents of control infants; however, Child Domain scores among parents of infants with single-suture craniosynostosis were higher on some subscales, primarily related to unexpected infant health and appearance issues. In both groups, fathers reported higher Child Domain stress than mothers, and mothers reported higher Parent Domain stress than fathers. Case mothers reported greater stress if they perceived their child's condition as more noticeable to others.

Conclusions

Prior to cases' cranioplastic surgery, parents of children with and without single-suture craniosynostosis reported similar levels of stress in relation to their parenting roles and the behavioral characteristics of their infants. Visibility of condition should be considered a risk for increased stress for mothers of infants with single-suture craniosynostosis. Stress differences between mothers and fathers were far more discernible than those associated with the presence or absence of single-suture craniosynostosis.
Prenatal Assessment of the Antero-Posterior Jaw Relationship in Human Fetuses: From Anatomical to Ultrasound Cephalometric Analysis
Authors: Captier Guillaume , Faure Jean-Michel , Bäumler Marcel , Canovas François , Demattei Christophe , Daure Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2010

Objectives

We wished to develop an ultrasound cephalometric analysis, particularly of the antero-posterior jaw relationship, to increase the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis of retrognathism during the routine midterm test.

Methods

Anatomical cephalometric analysis was performed in 18 formalin-fixed human fetuses (between 16 and 39 gestational weeks), and ultrasound cephalometry was prospectively carried out in 52 pregnant women (21 to 25 gestational weeks). The same landmarks were used in the anatomical and ultrasound median sagittal planes for comparison. Four cephalometric angles were measured relative to the anterior cranial base: alveolar projection of the maxilla and the mandible, chin projection, and facial angle. The antero-posterior jaw discrepancy was calculated.

Results

The projection of the maxilla was similar in the two cephalometric analyses (IC [–3.39, 0.23]), whereas the values of the projection of the mandible were lower in the ultrasound sample. The slope of the regression line of the antero-posterior jaw discrepancy on fetuses' age did not show significant differences (IC [–0.05, 1.54]) between anatomical and ultrasound cephalometry, although a difference of 3.23° ± 0.78° (IC [1.69, 4.77]) was observed. Despite this variability, the projections of mandible and chin were well determined by the projection of the maxilla both in the anatomical and ultrasound sample.

Conclusions

Cephalometric analysis by prenatal sonography can be performed to study the antero-posterior jaw relationship. We think that this procedure could be useful to improve prenatal diagnosis of retrognathism in high-risk pregnancies. Further studies should address the reproducibility and accuracy of such analysis.