bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations of negative regulators of cytokine signalling in immunodeficiency‐related non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Capello Daniela , Gloghini Annunziata , Baldanzi Gianluca , Martini Maurizio , Deambrogi Clara , Lucioni Marco , Piranda Daniela , Famà Rosella , Graziani Andrea , Spina Michele , Tirelli Umberto , Paulli Marco , Larocca Luigi Maria , Gaidano Gianluca , Carbone Antonino , Sinigaglia Fabiola
Published: April 2012

We investigated immunodeficiency‐related non‐Hodgkin lymphoma for the presence of molecular alterations affecting negative regulators of the Janus family protein tyrosine kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway. Protein tyrosine phosphatase, non‐receptor type 6/Src homology 2‐containing tyrosine phosphatase‐1 epigenetic silencing was recurrent in primary effusion lymphoma (100%), and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (63%), with a higher prevalence in the non‐germinal centre subtype, and was associated with the activation of the Janus family protein tyrosine kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway. Suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)1 and SOCS3 epigenetic silencing were occasionally detected, whereas SOCS1 was frequently mutated in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and polymorphic post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, possibly as a cause of aberrant somatic hypermutation. However, the mutation profile of the coding region of the gene was different from that expected from the aberrant somatic hypermutation process, suggesting that, at least in some cases, SOCS1 mutations may have been selected for their functional activity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tobacco use and cancer survival: A cohort study of 40,230 Swedish male construction workers with incident cancer
Authors: Nordenvall Caroline , Nilsson Per J. , Ye Weimin , Andersson Therese M.‐L. , Nyrén Olof
Published: April 2012

On theoretical grounds, nicotine has been implicated as a modifier of cancer progression. We investigated possible associations of smoking or use of Scandinavian moist snuff (snus) with survival after cancer among Swedish male construction workers. Snus use is associated with substantial exposure to nicotine but not to the combustion products in smoke. Among 336,381 workers with detailed information on tobacco use in 1971–1992, we observed 40,230 incident cancers. Complete follow‐up through 2007 was accomplished through linkage to population and health registers. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for death from any cause, cancer‐specific death and death from other causes were derived from Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for age at diagnosis, body mass index at study entry and period of diagnosis. Never users of any tobacco served as reference. Increased risks of cancer‐specific death were observed both among exclusive smokers (HRall cancer 1.15, 95% CI: 1.10–1.21) and never‐smoking snus users (1.15, 95% CI: 1.05–1.26). As regards deaths due to other causes, exclusive smokers had higher relative risks than exclusive snus users (p = 0.03). A history of tobacco use, even exclusive use of the seemingly benign snus, is associated with moderately increased cancer‐specific mortality. Although nicotine might play a role, the mechanisms warrant further investigation.
Genetically engineered oncolytic adenovirus induces autophagic cell death through an E2F1‐microRNA‐7‐epidermal growth factor receptor axis
Authors: Tazawa Hiroshi , Yano Shuya , Yoshida Ryosuke , Yamasaki Yasumoto , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Hashimoto Yuuri , Kuroda Shinji , Ouchi Masaaki , Onishi Teppei , Uno Futoshi , Kagawa Shunsuke , Urata Yasuo , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: April 2012

Autophagy is known to have a cytoprotective role under various cellular stresses; however, it also results in robust cell death as an important safeguard mechanism that protects the organism against invading pathogens and unwanted cancer cells. Autophagy is regulated by cell signalling including microRNA (miRNA), a post‐transcriptional regulator of gene expression. Here, we show that genetically engineered telomerase‐specific oncolytic adenovirus induced miR‐7 expression, which is significantly associated with its cytopathic activity in human cancer cells. Virus‐mediated miR‐7 upregulation depended on enhanced expression of the E2F1 protein. Ectopic expression of miR‐7 suppressed cell viability and induced autophagy by inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. Our results suggest that oncolytic adenovirus induces autophagic cell death through an E2F1‐miR‐7‐EGFR pathway in human cancer cells, providing a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of an anticancer virotherapy.
Immunohistochemical distribution of c‐erbB‐2 in infiltrating and in situ breast cancer
Authors: Gusterson B.A. , Machin L.G. , Gullick W.J. , Gibbs N.M. , Powles T.J. , Price P. , McKinna A. , Harrison S.
Published: April 2012

An immunohistochemical study of c‐erbB‐2 expression was performed on invasive and in situ breast cancer. Strong membrane staining was seen in 16% of the infiltrating ductal carcinomas and 44% of the in situ lesions. c‐erbB‐2 was over‐expressed in ductal rather than lobular tumours. Our results indicate that a small sub‐group of breast carcinomas are associated with over‐expression of this oncogene which may define an important subgroup of in situ and infiltrating ductal carcinomas.
Changes in in vitro growth behaviour of the mammary epithelial cell line NMuMG caused by the v‐fos oncogene
Authors: Bradbury Jane M. , Edwards Paul A.W.
Published: April 2012

A defective retrovirus was constructed to investigate the effect of the expression of the v‐fos oncogene from FBJ‐MSV on the in vitro growth properties of the mammary epithelial cell line NMuMG. Clearly visible areas of overgrowth in monolayer cultures of NMuMG were seen in cells infected with the v‐fos‐containing retrovirus but not in cells infected with control virus which did not contain an oncogene. Two cell lines, representing two morphological types of infected cell, were isolated from a morphologically altered region and further characterized. Fos.3.1.NMuMG grew as very spindly cells, achieving a higher density than control cells in 5% foetal calf serum (FCS) but growing very poorly in 1% FCS or in soft agar. Fos.3.3.NMuMG grew to a high density in 5% FCS and to a limited extent in low serum. This cell line also grew in soft agar. Fos.3.3.NMuMG seemed to be more transformed than fos.3.1.NMuMG using the criteria of growth in soft agar and low serum. All the cells used in this study were shown to retain epithelial characteristics by staining for cytokeratins and to contain at least one viral genome by Southern blotting. fos mRNA expression was raised over control levels in the two transformed cell lines.
Spirituality in the Counselor Education Curriculum: A National Survey of Student Perceptions
Authors: Dobmeier Robert A. , Reiner Summer M.
Published: April 2012

Interns (N= 335) from 36 programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs completed a survey about their preparation to integrate the 9 Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Issues in Counseling (ASERVIC) Spiritual Competencies into their counseling practice. Most respondents felt prepared to integrate all but 1 of ASERVIC's competencies. Spiritual topics of wellness, meaning, hope, and faith were addressed most frequently in course work and were associated with feeling prepared to integrate 8 of the competencies. Classroom discussion, experiential activities, and reading were the modalities most useful for learning about spirituality.
Spiritual Issues in Counseling: What Do Students Perceive They Are Being Taught?
Authors: Adams Jennifer R.
Published: April 2012

Client religious and spiritual practices have recently emerged as beneficial to both mental and physical health. However, graduates of counseling programs indicate that they have not been adequately trained to address religious and spiritual issues with clients. This exploratory study focused on the perceptions of counselors‐in‐training regarding what messages they received about these issues during their training programs, as well as their potential behaviors when working with clients. Results indicated that potential behaviors are not always consistent with what they are taught. Implications for training and future research are discussed.
Ethics and Accreditation in Addictions Counselor Training: Possible Field Placement Issues for CACREP‐Accredited Addictions Counseling Programs
Authors: Linton Jeremy M.
Published: April 2012

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs now recognizes addictions counseling as a specialized field of practice. Two case studies illustrate possible unintended violations of ethical and training standards.
Infusing Cultural Competence and Advocacy Into Strength‐Based Counseling
Authors: GROTHAUS TIM , McAULIFFE GARRETT , CRAIGEN LAURIE
Published: April 2012

Strength‐based counseling represents a welcome shift from prevailing deficit perspectives. However, the literature often treats enhancing strengths as an acultural concept, minimizing or ignoring the essential role of culture in forming and defining strengths. Integrating cultural competence and advocacy into strength‐based practice is examined as an antidote to ethnocentric practice.
Poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid) gel induces articular cartilage regenerationin vivo: Comparisons of the induction ability between single‐ and double‐network gels
Authors: Ogawa Munehiro , Kitamura Nobuto , Kurokawa Takayuki , Arakaki Kazunobu , Tanaka Yasuhito , Gong Jian Ping , Yasuda Kazunori
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine thein vivocartilage induction effect of the poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) single‐network (SN) gel and poly(N,N′‐dimethyl acrylamide) (PDMAAm) SN gel in comparison with that of the PAMPS/PDMAAm double‐network (DN) gel. An osteochondral defect created in rabbit trochlea was treated with PAMPS/PDMAAm DN, PAMPS SN, or PDMAAm SN gel implantation or left untreated. The gel was implanted into the defect so that a 2‐mm depth remained. The defects were examined by histologic and immunohistochemical evaluations, surface assessment using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis at 4 weeks. Samples were quantitatively evaluated with a scoring system reported by Wayne et al. The PAMPS/PDMAAm DN gel‐implanted defect was filled with the hyaline‐like cartilage tissue. The PAMPS SN gel‐implanted defect was filled inhomogenously with hyaline/fibrocartilage tissue. The histology score of the defect treated with PAMPS/PDMAAm DN gel was significantly higher than those treated with PAMPS and PDMAAm SN gels, and the untreated defect (p= 0.0408,p< 0.0001, andp< 0.0001, respectively) and the scores of the defect treated with PAMPS SN gel were significantly higher than those treated with PDMAAm SN gel and the untreated defect (p= 0.0026 andp= 0.0026, respectively). These results suggested that the PAMPS SN gel has an ability that can induce hyaline cartilage regenerationin vivo, but that the PDMAAm SN gel does not. The current study indicates that the chondrogenic potential of a negatively charged PAMPS gel component plays an important role in the cartilage regeneration ability of the PAMPS/PDMAAm DN gelin vivo. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2244–2251, 2012.
Human ether à‐gogo K+ channel 1 (hEag1) regulates MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell migration through Orai1‐dependent calcium entry
Authors: Hammadi Mehdi , Chopin Valérie , Matifat Fabrice , Dhennin‐Duthille Isabelle , Chasseraud Maud , Sevestre Henri , Ouadid‐Ahidouch Halima
Published: April 2012

Breast cancer (BC) has a poor prognosis due to its strong metastatic ability. Accumulating data present ether à go‐go (hEag1) K+ channels as relevant player in controlling cell cycle and proliferation of non‐invasive BC cells. However, the role of hEag1 in invasive BC cells migration is still unknown. In this study, we studied both the functional expression and the involvement in cell migration of hEag1 in the highly metastatic MDA‐MB‐231 human BC cells. We showed that hEag1 mRNA and proteins were expressed in human invasive ductal carcinoma tissues and BC cell lines. Functional activity of hEag1 channels in MDA‐MB‐231 cells was confirmed using astemizole, a hEag1 blocker, or siRNA. Blocking or silencing hEag1 depolarized the membrane potential and reduced both Ca2+ entry and MDA‐MB‐231 cell migration without affecting cell proliferation. Recent studies have reported that Ca2+ entry through Orai1 channels is required for MDA‐MB‐231 cell migration. Down‐regulation of hEag1 or Orai1 reduced Ca2+ influx and cell migration with similar efficiency. Interestingly, no additive effects on Ca2+ influx or cell migration were observed in cells co‐transfected with sihEag1 and siOrai1. Finally, both Orai1 and hEag1 are expressed in invasive breast adenocarcinoma tissues and invaded metastatic lymph node samples (LNM+). In conclusion, this study is the first to demonstrate that hEag1 channels are involved in the serum‐induced migration of BC cells by controlling the Ca2+ entry through Orai1 channels. hEag1 may therefore represent a potential target for the suppression of BC cell migration, and thus prevention of metastasis development. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3837–3846, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of testosterone on body fat composition
Authors: De Maddalena Chiara , Vodo Stella , Petroni Anna , Aloisi Anna Maria
Published: April 2012

An excessive food supply has resulted in an increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, conditions accompanied by serious health problems. Several studies have confirmed the significant inverse correlation between testosterone and obesity. Indeed after decades of intense controversy, a consensus has emerged that androgens are important regulators of fat mass and distribution in mammals and that androgen status affects cellularity in vivo. The high correlation of testosterone levels with body composition and its contribution to the balance of lipid metabolism are also suggested by the fact that testosterone lowering is associated with important clinical disorders such as dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In contrast, testosterone supplementation therapy in hypogonadic men has been shown to improve the lipid profile by lowering cholesterol, blood sugar and insulin resistance. Leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin are some of the substances related to feeding as well as androgen regulation. Thus, complex and delicate mechanisms appear to link androgens with various tissues (liver, adipose tissue, muscles, coronary arteries and heart) and the subtle alteration of some of these interactions might be the cause of correlated diseases. This review underlines some aspects regarding the high correlations between testosterone physiology and body fat composition. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3744–3748, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biofiltration of increasing concentration gasoline vapors with different ethanol proportions
Authors: Rizzolo Joana Antunez , Woiciechowski Adenise Lorenci , dos Santos Vanessa Cristina Castro , Soares Marlene , Páca Jan , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Brazil is one of the largest exporters and producers of ethanol. The local commercialization of flex fuel cars (vehicles that can run with pure gasoline or pure ethanol or the mixed gasoline) increases annually. Biofiltration technology can treat ethanol and gasoline vapors, mineralizing contaminants. The aim of this research was to evaluate biofiltration technology treating ethanol‐gasoline vapor mixtures, considering different proportions of the two pollutants and of the mixture in increasing concentrations. Two bench scale biofilters (System 1 and System 2) were evaluated, each of 2.72 L. Packing material was a mixture of compost and granulated rubber tire at 2:1 (v/v). The gas flow rate was 450 mL min−1, resulting in an empty bed retention time of 6.04 min. Inlet pollutant concentration ranged from 1.3 and 59 g m−3 (System 1) and 1.25 g m−3 and 55 g m−3 (System 2). Gasoline/ethanol ratios applied were (%): 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, 20/80 and 100% of ethanol.

RESULTS: Removal efficiency and elimination capacity increased with ethanol load augmentation. During the six phases of study the removal efficiency average remained above 70% and the maximum elimination capacity achieved was 587 g m−3 h−1 (biofilter system 1) with neat ethanol.

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that biofiltration is an excellent option for gasoline amended ethanol vapors treatment. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Combined processes of glycerol polymerization/carbonization/activation to produce efficient adsorbents for organic contaminants
Authors: Medeiros Miguel de Araujo , Cançado Thiago Moraes , Leite Carla Maria Macedo , Lago Rochel Montero
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Glycerol was used to produce efficient adsorbents with a high surface area for organic contaminants by a combined process based on polymerization, carbonization and activation.

RESULTS: Glycerol and sulfuric acid catalyst at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 mol% were heated to 150 °C to form polyglycerol, which was then decomposed at 580 °C and activated with CO2 at 850 °C. The resulting activated carbons had a high specific area (1630 m2g−1) and high adsorption capacity of methylene blue used as a model organic contaminant. This process was also used to produce a special composite adsorbent based on expanded vermiculite (EV) coated with activated carbon. These composites were produced by impregnation of EV with glycerol followed by polymerization, thermal decomposition and activation with CO2 to produce up to 25 wt% carbon and a surface area of 835 m2g−1.

CONCLUSIONS: The carbon layer present in the EV composite/activated carbon (GVE4CA2) produces a remarkable increase in the methylene blue adsorption capacity of the expanded vermiculite and strongly decreases undesirable water absorption. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
On the biodegradability of nitrophenols and their reaction products by catalytic hydrogenation*
Authors: Diaz Elena , Polo Alicia M. , Mohedano Angel F. , Casas Jose A. , Rodriguez Juan J.
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Catalytic hydrogenation is gaining interest as an emerging technology for the detoxification of industrial effluents containing pollutants such as nitrophenols. This technique achieves high conversion levels under ambient‐like conditions of temperature and pressure, leading to less harmful products than the starting compounds.

RESULTS: Complete conversion of 2‐nitrophenol, 4‐nitrophenol and 2,4‐dinitrophenol was achieved in short reaction times at 25 °C and 1 atm, using Pd/Al2O3 and Rh/Al2O3 catalysts. The rates of disappearance followed the sequence: 2,4‐dinitrophenol > 2‐nitrophenol > 4‐nitrophenol, the Pd catalyst being more active than the Rh one. The corresponding amino‐compounds were identified as the only reaction products. From a Microtox test the reaction products appeared more toxic than the starting compounds. Nevertheless, respirometric tests with conventional activated sludge yielded EC50 values for the aminophenols about double those of the nitrophenols. Biodegradability tests showed that the monoaminophenols can be degraded by non‐acclimated sludge, whereas no degradation was observed for the nitrophenols and 2‐amino‐4‐nitrophenol, the reaction product from 2,4‐dinitrophenol hydrogenation.

CONCLUSION: Catalytic hydrogenation of wastewater containing nitrophenols gives rise to byproducts less toxic and more easily biodegradable by an activated sludge. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Dialogue Police, Decision Making, and the Management of Public Order During Protest Crowd Events
Authors: Gorringe Hugo , Stott Clifford , Rosie Michael
Published: April 2012

Following the major riots within England in August 2011, the efficacy of public order police decision making was brought into a sharp focus. None the less, the reform of this mode of policing within the UK was already underway with a strong emphasis upon policing through consent and the need to facilitate peaceful protest through dialogue and communication. This paper reports upon a critical ‘test case’ for this ‘new approach’ by analysing the policing of a series of protests against Government policy across 3 days that surrounded a Government party conference in Sheffield, a large city in the north of England. This paper draws out lessons to be learned from what proved to be a highly successful dialogue‐based approach to policing protests. We contend that dialogue and liaison were effective because they allowed for an ongoing dynamic risk assessment that improved command‐level decision making and enhanced police proportionality. The subsequent impact upon crowd dynamics allowed for an improved capacity for proactive public order management, encouraged ‘self‐regulation’ in the crowd, and avoided the unnecessary police use of force at moments of tension. The implications of the analysis for theory and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice extent using quantile regression
Authors: Tareghian Reza , Rasmussen Peter
Published: April 2012

A number of recent studies have examined trends in sea ice cover using ordinary least squares regression. In this study, quantile regression is applied to analyse other aspects of the distribution of sea ice extent. More specifically, trends in the mean, maximum, and minimum sea ice extent in the Arctic and Antarctic are investigated. While there is a significant decreasing trend in mean Arctic sea ice extent of − 4.5% per decade from 1979 through 2010, the Antarctic results show a small positive trend of 2.3% per decade. In some cases such as the Antarctic minimum ice cover, selected quantile regressions yield slope estimates that differ from trends in the mean. It was also found that the variability in Antarctic sea ice extent is higher than that in the Arctic. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Black‐capped vireo nest predator assemblage and predictors for nest predation
Authors: Conkling Tara J. , Pope Theresa L. , Smith Kathryn N. , Mathewson Heather A. , Morrison Michael L. , Wilkins R. Neal , Cain James W.
Published: April 2012

Nest predation is a major limiting factor for songbird productivity, including the federally endangered black‐capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla). However, nest predator information is limited across the range of the black‐capped vireo in central and southwest Texas. We monitored nests in 3 counties within the breeding range of black‐capped vireos in Texas in 2008 and 2009 and used continuous recording digital video cameras to record predation events. We video‐monitored 115 nests and documented 39 predation events by at least 9 predator species. Overall, we observed avian species (51%, n = 39), specifically brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater; n = 12), and snakes (26%, n = 39) as the most frequent nest predators. The estimated daily nest survival rate during the laying and incubation stage was 0.985 (95% CI = 0.967–0.993) and 0.944 (95% CI = 0.921–0.961) during the nestling stage. In addition, we analyzed models of predator‐specific nest predation using multinomial logistic regression. Effect of nest height on predation rate was significant for snakes; nest stage was significant for nests depredated by avian predators. By identifying and increasing our knowledge of nest predators and vegetation characteristics associated with greater risk of predation in multiple locations within the black‐capped vireo's range, we can effectively manage habitat to benefit recovery efforts of the species. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
The grand Lusin‐area characterization of Hajłasz‐Sobolev spaces and Triebel‐Lizorkin spaces
Authors: Jiang Xiaojuan , Yang Dachun , Yuan Wen
Published: April 2012

In this paper, the authors establish the grand Lusin‐area characterization of the Hajłasz‐Sobolev spaces and, more generally, the Triebel‐Lizorkin spaces on both Euclidean spaces and RD‐spaces, namely, metric spaces enjoying both doubling and reverse doubling properties.
“It's not Easy Being Green”: Exploring Green Creeds, Green Deeds, and Internal Environmental Locus of Control
Authors: Cleveland Mark , Kalamas Maria , Laroche Michel
Published: April 2012

The authors report on the development of a novel construct, internal environmental locus of control (INELOC), which captures consumers’ multifaceted attitudes pertaining to personal responsibility towards and ability to affect environmental outcomes. Using data gathered from a sample of consumers, the linkages between INELOC and a wide array of environmental behaviors were investigated. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed four first‐order dimensions (“green consumer,” “activism,” “advocate,” and “recycling attitudes”) embedded within a second‐order INELOC factor. Structural equations modeling techniques showed that INELOC was a strong positive predictor of many behaviors. However, the nature of the attitude–behavior relationship varied considerably across behavioral contexts, implying that people do not consistently behave in a proenvironmental manner. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physical Therapists' Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of a Dutch Survey
Authors: Hurkmans E. J. , Li L. , Verhoef J. , Vliet Vlieland T. P. M.
Published: April 2012

Background and aim

For tailored implementation of evidence‐based recommendations and guidelines on physical therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), insight into current physical therapy practice is needed.

Method

Two hundred and fifty general physical therapists and 211 specialized physical therapists with advanced arthritis training were sent a questionnaire to assess the frequency with which they applied a set of assessments (n = 10) and interventions (n = 7) included in a Dutch physical therapy guideline for RA. Differences between general and specialist physical therapists were analysed using Student's t‐tests or chi‐square tests where appropriate.

Results

In total, 233 physical therapists (51%) responded. Of these, 96 (41%) had completed an additional arthritis course and were designated as specialist physical therapists. Among the physical therapists who returned the questionnaire, 69% (or more) reported that they ‘always’ assessed limitations in daily functioning, pain, morning stiffness, muscle strength, joint range of motion, joint stability, gait and limitations in leisure activities as part of their initial assessment, and 37% and 48% reported ‘always’ to assess aerobic capacity and limitations in work situations, respectively. Concerning interventions, exercise therapy and education were ‘always’ applied by 70% and 68% of the responders, respectively. Only a minority of responders reported ‘always’ applying ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat therapy, massage and passive mobilizations (0%, 0%, 5%, 5% and 14%, respectively). Apart from aerobic capacity and work limitations, all other assessments were reported as ‘always’ applied by significantly (p < 0.05) more specialist physical therapists than general physical therapists. Regarding interventions, significantly more specialist physical therapists reported that they ‘always’ applied exercise therapy and education. Significantly fewer specialist physical therapists than in the general group reported ‘always’ using heat therapy, massage and mobilizations (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The majority of physical therapists reported that they ‘always’ applied most of the assessments and interventions recommended in a Dutch physical therapy guideline for the management of RA. Areas for improvement include the assessment of aerobic capacity and work limitations. The observed differences between specialist and general physical therapists support the added value of advanced arthritis courses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermo‐hydro‐mechanical modeling of fluid geological storage by Godunov‐mixed methods
Authors: Castelletto N. , Ferronato M. , Gambolati G.
Published: April 2012

The efficient solution to the coupled system of PDEs governing the mass and the energy balance in deformable porous media requires advanced numerical algorithms. A combination of mixed/Galerkin finite elements and finite volumes along with a staggered method are employed. Fluid flow and heat transfer are addressed iteratively by a fully coupled approach and the medium deformation by an explicitly coupled scheme, at each time step. Such formulation allows for stable numerical solutions, element‐wise conservative velocity fields and accurate prediction of sharp temperature convective fronts. The proposed model is experimented with in realistic applications of a deep aquifer fluid injection. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MicroRNA expression and activity in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Authors: de Oliveira Jaqueline C. , Brassesco María Sol , Scrideli Carlos Alberto , Tone Luiz Gonzaga , Narendran Aru
Published: April 2012

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of pediatric neoplasia. Highly heterogeneous, ALL includes several genetic subtypes with varying clinical outcome. Although, some features are well established as prognostic predictors, the details of the molecular mechanisms underlying different phenotypes are only beginning to emerge. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to influence a range of physiological processes and, consequently, alterations in their expression and functions have been associated with the development of many cancers, including leukemia. This article aims to review the current state of knowledge of the role of miRNAs on the biology of childhood ALL, also including relevant findings from the adult leukemia literature. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:599–604. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
pH‐responsive hydrogels with dispersed hydrophobic nanoparticles for the delivery of hydrophobic therapeutic agents
Authors: Schoener Cody A , Hutson Heather N , Peppas Nicholas A
Published: April 2012

To investigate the delivery of hydrophobic therapeutic agents, a new class of polymer carriers was synthesized. These carriers are composed of two components: (i) a pH‐responsive hydrogel composed of methacrylic acid grafted with poly(ethylene glycol) tethers, P(MAA‐g‐EG), and (ii) hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles. Before the P(MAA‐g‐EG) hydrogel was crosslinked, PMMA nanoparticles were added to the solution and upon exposure to UV light they were photoencapsulated throughout the P(MAA‐g‐EG) hydrogel structure. The pH‐responsive behavior of P(MAA‐g‐EG) is capable of triggered release of a loaded therapeutic agent, such as a low molecular weight drug or protein, when it passes from the stomach (low pH) to upper small intestine (neutral pH). The introduction of PMMA nanoparticles into the hydrogel structure affected the swelling behavior, therapeutic agent loading efficiency, and solute release profiles. In equilibrium swelling conditions the swelling ratio of nanoparticle‐containing hydrogels decreased with increasing nanoparticle content. Loading efficiencies of the model therapeutic agent fluorescein ranged from 38% to 51% and increased with increasing hydrophobic content. Release studies from neat P(MAA‐g‐EG) and the ensuing P(MAA‐g‐EG) hydrogels containing nanoparticles indicated that the transition from low pH (2.0) to neutral pH (7.0) triggered fluorescein release. Maximum fluorescein release depended on the structure and hydrophobicity of the carriers used in these studies. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A model for system‐wide collaboration to support integrated social behavior and literacy evidence‐based practices
Authors: Chaparro Erin A. , Smolkowski Keith , Baker Scott K. , Hanson Natalie , Ryan‐Jackson Kathleen
Published: April 2012

In the face of dwindling financial resources, educational leaders are looking to refine resource allocation while maintaining a focus on improved student outcomes. This article presents initial findings from a professional development state initiative called Effective Behavioral and Instructional Support Systems (EBISS). The EBISS initiative aims to teach practicing educators about two evidence‐based systems of practice and how to blend those practices for more efficient and effective school systems. The targeted systems are School‐Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and School‐Wide Reading Model. Descriptive statistics from 140 participating elementary schools suggest there was an increase in (a) the administration of behavior and literacy screening tools, (b) the number of teams examining and analyzing these data, and (c) the implementation scores and student outcomes at selected grade levels. Continued exploration of data‐based collaboration in school buildings appears warranted. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lung function in hyper IgE syndrome
Authors: Roxo P. , Torres L.A.G.M. , Menezes U.P. , Melo J.M.L.
Published: April 2012

Pneumatoceles and bronchiectasis are secondary complications of respiratory infections in patients with hyper IgE syndrome (HIgES).

We report on a patient with HIgES and recurrent pneumonias since 1 year of age, with progression to pneumatoceles and bronchiectasis and fatal outcome, with disseminated infection and suspected allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, who was subjected to sequential spirometric assessment.

We describe the early beginning of respiratory infections, difficulties in the management of pulmonary sequelae and the impact of an early functional diagnosis and follow‐up of the patient regarding a disease for which lung function has not been fully described. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:81–84. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tailoring electrical properties of (Na1/2K1/2)NbO3‐based lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Fang Bijun , Jiang Na , Ding Jianning
Published: April 2012

Oxide‐doped 0.94(Na1/2K1/2)NbO3‐0.03LiSbO3‐0.03LiTaO3 (NKN‐0.03LS‐0.03LT) lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid‐state reaction method sintered under ambient pressure. The kind of oxide dopant and sintering temperature exert great influences on crystal structure, density, and electrical properties of the synthesized (Na1/2K1/2)NbO3‐based (NKN) ceramics. The addition of appropriate sintering additives can produce a liquid‐phase sintering mechanism in the NKN‐based ceramics, which will promote the development of grains and improve densification of the ceramics. Pure tetragonal perovskite structure oxide‐doped NKN‐0.03LS‐0.03LT ceramics can be prepared sintered in a narrow sintering temperature range. As compared to the undoped NKN‐0.03LS‐0.03LT ceramics, the oxide‐doped NKN‐0.03LS‐0.03LT ceramics sintered at the optimized sintering temperature exhibit rather large relative density, comparable dielectric and piezoelectric properties, and improved ferroelectric and electromechanical properties.
Significantly reduced leakage currents in organic thin film transistors with Mn‐doped Bi2Ti2O7 high‐k gate dielectrics
Authors: Cho Kwang‐Hwan , Kang Min‐Gyu , Jang Ho Won , Shin Hyun Yong , Kang Chong‐Yun , Yoon Seok‐Jin
Published: April 2012

We report the fabrication of organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) with high‐k gate dielectrics of Mn‐doped Bi2Ti2O7 (BTO) films. 3% Mn‐doped BTO films deposited on polymer substrates by pulsed laser deposition at room temperature exhibit low leakage currents of 2.1 × 10–8 A/cm2 at an applied electric field of 0.3 MV/cm, while undoped BTO films show much higher leakage currents of 4.3 × 10–4 A/cm2. Mn doping effectively reduces the number of oxygen vacancies in the films and improves the electrical properties. Low operation voltage and significantly reduced leakage currents are demonstrated in pentacene‐based OTFTs with the Mn‐doped BTO gate dielectrics. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fast and effective soft links
Authors: Akinyemi John A. , Clarke Charles L. A.
Published: April 2012

Inspired by requirements traceability problems, we present a method for implementing fast and effective hypertext links to specific locations within documents. These soft links do not depend on tags, markup, or closed tool sets, yet they can generally survive extensive edits to a document collection, allowing the targets of these links to be located in real collections after years of ongoing and frequent changes. We base our implementation of soft links on an existing passage retrieval algorithm, originally designed for question answering. The method treats the text surrounding the target of a soft link as a passage to be retrieved, creates a signature for that passage, and resolves the link by searching for the passage. The method is evaluated over a large collection of text and two large collections of source code, one written in the C programming language and one written in Java. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between body mass index and pregnancy outcome in a randomized trial of cerclage for short cervix
Authors: Farinelli C. K. , Wing D. A. , Szychowski J. M. , Owen J. , Hankins G. , Iams J. D. , Sheffield J. S. , Perez‐Delboy A. , Berghella V. , Guzman E. R. ,   for the Vaginal Ultrasound Trial Consortium
Published: April 2012

Objective

To evaluate whether increasing body mass index (BMI) alters the efficacy of ultrasound‐directed cerclage in women with a history of preterm birth.

Methods

This was a planned secondary analysis of a multicenter trial in which women with a singleton gestation and prior spontaneous preterm birth (17 to 33 + 6 weeks' gestation) were screened for a short cervix by serial transvaginal ultrasound evaluations between 16 and 22 + 6 weeks. Women with a short cervix (cervical length < 25 mm) were randomly assigned to cerclage or not. Linear and logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between BMI and continuous and categorical variables, respectively.

Results

Overall, in the screened women (n = 986), BMI was not associated with cervical length (P = 0.68), gestational age at delivery (P = 0.12) or birth at < 35 weeks (P = 0.68). For the cerclage group (n = 148), BMI had no significant effect. For the no‐cerclage group (n = 153), BMI was associated with a decrease in gestational age at delivery, with an estimated slope of − 0.14 weeks per kg/m2 (P = 0.03; including adjustment for cervical length). This result was driven primarily by several women with BMI > 47 kg/m2.

Conclusion

In women at high risk for recurrent preterm birth, BMI was not associated with cervical length or gestational age at birth. BMI did not appear to adversely affect ultrasound‐indicated cerclage. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gonad morphogenesis and distal tip cell migration in the Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite
Authors: Wong Ming‐Ching , Schwarzbauer Jean E.
Published: April 2012

Cell migration and morphogenesis are key events in tissue development and organogenesis. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the migratory path of the distal tip cells determines the morphology of the hermaphroditic gonad. The distal tip cells undergo a series of migratory phases interspersed with turns to form the gonad. A wide variety of genes have been identified as crucial to this process, from genes that encode components and modifiers of the extracellular matrix to signaling proteins and transcriptional regulators. The connections between extracellular and transmembrane protein functions and intracellular pathways are essential for distal tip cell migration, and the integration of this information governs gonad morphogenesis and determines gonad size and shape. WIREs Dev Biol 2012, 1:519–531. doi: 10.1002/wdev.45

This article is categorized under:

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Regulation of Size, Proportion, and Timing

Early Embryonic Development > Development to the Basic Body Plan

Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms
Inhibition of bacterial adhesion to live human cells: Activity and cytotoxicity of synthetic mannosides
Authors: Hartmann Mirja , Papavlassopoulos Heike , Chandrasekaran Vijayanand , Grabosch Carsten , Beiroth Femke , Lindhorst Thisbe K. , Röhl Claudia
Published: April 2012

Bacterial adhesion to glycosylated surfaces is a key issue in human health and disease. Inhibition of bacterial adhesion by suitable carbohydrates could lead to an anti‐adhesion therapy as a novel approach against bacterial infections. A selection of five α‐mannosides has been evaluated as inhibitors of bacterial adhesion to the polysaccharide mannan, as well as to the surface of live human HT‐29 cells. Cell toxicity studies were performed to identify the therapeutic window for a potential in vivo‐application of the tested carbohydrates. A previously published mannosidic squaric acid diamide was shown to be exceptionally effective as inhibitor of the bacterial lectin FimH.
Modulation of the type I interferon pathways by culture‐adaptive hepatitis C virus core mutants
Authors: Kang Ju-Il , Kwon Young-Chan , Ahn Byung-Yoon
Published: April 2012

DDX3
and
CORE
colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View Interaction:
1
,
2
,
3
)
DDX3
physically interacts with
CORE
by two hybrid (View Interaction:
1
,
2
,
3
)
CORE
physically interacts with
DDX3
by pull down (View Interaction:
1
,
2
,
3
)
Stadtteilarbeit und Gesundheitsförderung in deprivierten Stadtvierteln
Authors: Große Janka , Grande Gesine
Published: April 2012

Einleitung

In deprivierten Stadtvierteln kommt es zu einer wechselseitigen Verstärkung von individuellen und stadtteilbezogenen Benachteiligungen mit erheblichen Auswirkungen auf die gesundheitlichen Chancen der Bewohner. Hier müssen kommunale, gesundheitspolitische und lokale Strategien koordiniert werden. Stadtteilarbeit und Gesundheitsförderung sollen primär an den sozialen und strukturellen Verhältnissen in der Nachbarschaft ansetzen. Dafür eignen sich Strategien wie Partizipation, Arbeit mit Multiplikatoren, beiläufige Kompetenzvermittlung und Netzwerkbildung in besonderer Weise.
Validation of the Long-term Difficulties Inventory (LDI) and the List of Threatening Experiences (LTE) as measures of stress in epidemiological population-based cohort studies
Authors: Rosmalen J. G. M. , Bos E. H. , de Jonge P.
Published: April 2012

Background

Stress questionnaires are included in many epidemiological cohort studies but the psychometric characteristics of these questionnaires are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to describe these characteristics for two short questionnaires measuring the lifetime and past year occurrence of stress: the List of Threatening Events (LTE) as a measure of acute stress and the Long-term Difficulties Inventory (LDI) as a measure of chronic stress.

Method

This study was performed in a general population cohort consisting of 588 females (53.7%) and 506 males (46.3%), with a mean age of 53.5 years (s.d.=11.3 years). Respondents completed the LTE and the LDI for the past year, and for the age categories of 0–12, 13–18, 19–39, 40–60, and >60 years. They also completed questionnaires on perceived stress, psychological distress (the General Health Questionnaire, GHQ-12), anxiety and depression (the Symptom Checklist, SCL-8) and neuroticism (the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire – Revised Short Scale, EPQ-RSS-N). Approximately 2 years later, 976 respondents (89%) completed these questionnaires for a second time.

Results

The stability of the retrospective reporting of long-term difficulties and life events was satisfactory: 0.7 for the lifetime LDI and 0.6 for the lifetime LTE scores. The construct validity of these lists is indicated by their positive associations with psychological distress, mental health problems and neuroticism.

Conclusions

This study in a large population-based sample shows that the LDI and LTE have sufficient validity and stability to include them in major epidemiological cohort studies.
Public men, private interests: the origins, structure and practice of police courts in Scotland, c.1800–1833
Authors: BARRIE DAVID G. , BROOMHALL SUSAN
Published: April 2012

This article examines how civic tensions and the rise to prominence of a new class of businessmen contributed to the evolution of police courts in Scottish towns, c.1800 to 1833. It argues that men of property intertwined civic imperatives with their own moral and economic interests in order to effect reform and defend their position, status and influence. It also contends that police courts were important institutions in reflecting and exposing the divisions and shared interests that existed among ‘public men’ and the private interests they sought to promote and safeguard. In doing so, the article highlights social hierarchies – both between men of property and different classes – as an important force in shaping the development and institutional workings of police courts.
The city as a business: gas and business in the Spanish region of Galicia, 1850–1936
Authors: LÓPEZ ALBERTE MARTÍNEZ , MIRÁS-ARAUJO JESÚS
Published: April 2012

The history of town gas is unique in the development of public services in urban areas. Indeed, gas was the subject of the first network infrastructure set up in cities. In Spain, its history is discontinuous because the networks were dismantled in the 1940s and 1950s. The purpose of this paper is to retrace the steps of the development of the gas network in a region where the Spanish gas companies took the form of early modern businesses. They contributed significantly to the dynamism of local financial markets, both in terms of enterprise configuration, technology dissemination and innovative management. However, the development of the gas industry remained subject to local conditions of supply and demand, to conflicts with local government and suffered from competition from electricity.
Power, accidents, and institutional changes: the case of a Chinese hospital in Hong Kong
Authors: MA SHU-YUN
Published: April 2012

In response to the call for more investigation on ‘institutional dynamism’, this article examines the role of power and accidents in causing institutional changes, employing the theoretical perspective of historical institutionalism. The impact of two ‘accidents’ (epidemics) on the institutional setting of a hospital in Hong Kong under different power contexts (changes of political sovereignty) is analysed as a case study. The finding is that power matters more than accidents. This is not to deny the importance of accidents. Accidents matter because they produce windows of opportunity for institutional changes to take place. Through political manoeuvres powerful actors may decide which accidents should cause change.