bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression and Grief—Overlapping Phenomena or Lack of Individuation?
Authors: Corless Inge B. , Cartier Jeanne M. , Guarino A. J.
Published: May 2011

Depression and death-related grief are often treated as the same phenomenon or, in the case of grief, ignored all together. The result of this is that individuals experiencing grief may be treated for depression, if treated at all. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether these two phenomena can be distinguished in persons diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). The Beck Inventory II and the Revised Grief Experience Inventory (RGEI) measured depression and grief respectively. The scores from the four RGEI subscales were correlated with the scores from the three BDI subscales, creating a 4 × 3 matrix. Results suggest that only one of the RGEI subscales (Depression) achieved moderate correlations with two of the BDI subscales, Somatic Elements ( r = .33) and Negative Attitudes ( r = .32). These results provide strong evidence that the RGEI and the BDI produce scores with discriminant validity.
Understanding Grief following Pregnancy Loss: A Retrospective Analysis regarding Women's Coping Responses
Authors: Fernandez Ramona , Harris Darcy , Leschied Alan
Published: May 2011

Retrospective grief responses of seven women following an unintended pregnancy loss are reported. Spontaneous fetal loss, miscarriage, and lethal genetic anomalies, all of which occurred during the first and second trimester, were included in the selected sample. Findings from a thematic analysis highlight 10 themes: reactions; attachment; trauma; coping and healing; existential meaning making; perceptions about support; loss factors; environmental factors; social support received; and professional support received. Findings represent the accumulated losses and the manner in which women make meaning and accommodate these experiences within their life narratives.
Suicide Survivor Support Groups: Comings and Goings, Part II
Authors: Feigelman Beverly , Feigelman William
Published: May 2011

This two-part report examines important aspects of survivor of suicide support groups: some of the motivating factors attracting survivors to join these groups and why many withdraw as time after a loss passes. In this second part we analyze the support group departures issue, drawing primarily upon participant observation data collected over a 7-year period from more than 300 suicide survivors observed at monthly group meetings and from follow-up interviews with 24 respondents who withdrew from groups. Findings suggest that support group affiliation is a time-limited activity for most of those bereaved by suicide. This very preliminary data suggests that most survivors feel that two things were especially indispensable to them in their efforts to advance after a suicide loss: 1) affiliation to a support group (or to several groups); and 2) the help received from friendships established with other survivors along their healing journeys.
A novel technique to evaluate the geometrical accuracy of CT-MR image fusion in Gamma Knife radiosurgery procedures
Authors: Thomas Sajeev , Sampath S. , IndiraDevi B. , Bhanumathy G. , Supe Sanjay , Musthafa M.
Published: May 2011

A novel technique to evaluate the geometrical accuracy of CT-MR image fusion in Gamma Knife radiosurgery procedures

In order to optimize the accuracy of imaging in Gamma Knife radiosurgery using the image fusion options available in the Leksell gamma plan. Phantom images from 1.5 Tesla MRI Scan (Magnetom vision - Siemens) and Computed Tomography images from Philips Brilliance 16 CT scanner were used for image fusion in Gammaplan treatment planning system. The images were fused using co-registration technique using multiview and imagemerge modules. Stereotactic coordinates were then calculated for known targets. Vector distances from the centre of the Leksell coordinate system to five known targets were measured in CT, MR and CT-MR fused images and compared with geometrical measurements. The mean values of maximum absolute errors were 0.34 mm, 0.41 mm.0.38 mm (along x-axis), 0.43 mm, 1.53 mm, 0.62 mm (along y-axis) and 0.75 mm 2.02 mm, 0.93 mm (along z-axis) for CT, MR and CT-MR fused image data respectively. The mean error in calculating the vector distances from the center of the Leksell coordinate system (100, 100, 100) to the known target volumes are 0.22 mm, 0.8 mm and 0.43 mm for CT, MR and CT-MR fused images, respectively. Image fusion functions available in gamma plan are useful for combining the features of CT and MR imaging modalities. These methods are highly useful in clinical situations where the error associated with Magnetic Resonance Imaging is beyond acceptable levels.
Estimating mental fatigue based on electroencephalogram and heart rate variability
Authors: Zhang Chong , Yu Xiaolin
Published: May 2011

Estimating mental fatigue based on electroencephalogram and heart rate variability

The effects of long term mental arithmetic task on psychology are investigated by subjective self-reporting measures and action performance test. Based on electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV), the impacts of prolonged cognitive activity on central nervous system and autonomic nervous system are observed and analyzed. Wavelet packet parameters of EEG and power spectral indices of HRV are combined to estimate the change of mental fatigue. Then wavelet packet parameters of EEG which change significantly are extracted as the features of brain activity in different mental fatigue state, support vector machine (SVM) algorithm is applied to differentiate two mental fatigue states. The experimental results show that long term mental arithmetic task induces the mental fatigue. The wavelet packet parameters of EEG and power spectral indices of HRV are strongly correlated with mental fatigue. The predominant activity of autonomic nervous system of subjects turns to the sympathetic activity from parasympathetic activity after the task. Moreover, the slow waves of EEG increase, the fast waves of EEG and the degree of disorder of brain decrease compared with the pre-task. The SVM algorithm can effectively differentiate two mental fatigue states, which achieves the maximum classification accuracy (91%). The SVM algorithm could be a promising tool for the evaluation of mental fatigue.

Fatigue, especially mental fatigue, is a common phenomenon in modern life, is a persistent occupational hazard for professional. Mental fatigue is usually accompanied with a sense of weariness, reduced alertness, and reduced mental performance, which would lead the accidents in life, decrease productivity in workplace and harm the health. Therefore, the evaluation of mental fatigue is important for the occupational risk protection, productivity, and occupational health.
Application of a PExSim for modeling a POLVAD artificial heart and the human circulatory system with left ventricle assistance
Authors: Siewnicka Alicja , Fajdek Bartlomiej , Janiszowski Krzysztof
Published: May 2011

Application of a PExSim for modeling a POLVAD artificial heart and the human circulatory system with left ventricle assistance

This paper presents a model of the human circulatory system with the possible addition of a parallel assist device, which was developed for the purpose of artificial heart monitoring. Information about an identification experiment of an extracorporeal ventricle assist device POLVAD is included. The modelling methods applied and the corresponding functional blocks in a PExSim package are presented. The results of the simulation for physiological conditions, left ventricle failure and pathological conditions with parallel assistance are included.
Quand la puissance publique fait surgir et équipe une mobilisation protestataire
Authors: Huyard Caroline
Published: May 2011

Résumé Alors que nombre de travaux s’interrogent sur la capacité des mobilisations dites de malades à influencer les politiques de santé, l’invention des maladies rares oblige à saisir l’élaboration conjointe d’une cause et d’une action publique. Une décision de la puissance publique américaine crée un « public », dont les personnes atteintes d’affections peu fréquentes sont une composante, qui s’organise. En réponse à leur activisme, l’administration américaine invente la catégorie des maladies rares, instrument de l’action publique et identité nouvelle pour les protestataires. En Europe, l’administration française fait de cet instrument le problème à résoudre, et initie pour le porter une mobilisation des malades.
Un entrepreneur privé de politique publique
Authors: Bergeron Henri , Castel Patrick , Nouguez Étienne
Published: May 2011

Résumé En prenant le cas de la prévention de l’obésité, l’article contribue à éclairer les recompositions de l’action publique dans le champ de la santé publique en France. L’analyse des mécanismes présidant à l’affirmation d’un opérateur privé dans le champcommeacteur légitime et de premier plan (se développant désormais dans plus de 200 villes) constitue un point d’observation privilégié de l’articulation entre action de l’État et action des municipalités, d’une part, et d’un mode de privatisation original de l’action publique, d’autre part. Cet acteur ne se laisse pas facilement saisir par les catégories usuelles d’analyse de l’action publique mais correspond davantage à la figure de l’entrepreneur privé, parvenu à s’installer et à agir durablement à la frontière de deux mondes hétérogènes, etmême antagonistes à bien des égards, celui de la santé publique et du marché.
Lobbying industriel et accords multilatéraux d'environnement
Authors: Orsini Amandine , Compagnon Daniel
Published: May 2011

Résumé L’écopolitique mondiale contemporaine se singularise de plus en plus par le rôle des acteurs non étatiques dans la construction et l’évolution des traités environnementaux, en particulier l’action des lobbies industriels. Cette action est largement négligée par la théorie des Relations internationales hormis dans l’analyse néo-gramscienne des régimes internationaux. Utilisant la littérature disponible et des observations de terrain, cette étude s’appuie sur les cas du protocole de Kyoto (changement climatique) et du protocole de Carthagène (biosécurité) pour nuancer la thèse néo-gramscienne de l’influence des firmes sur les accords multilatéraux d’environnement. D’une part, les acteurs industriels sont peu organisés au plan transnational et sont partagés par de nombreux clivages. D’autre part, leur influence est variable, jamais acquise d’avance.
Médiatisation de l' économie et fabrication de la popularité du président français (2007-2010)
Authors: Gerstlé Jacques , François Abel
Published: May 2011

Résumé La popularité présidentielle dépend-elle davantage de l’état de l’économie que de l’état médiatisé de l’économie ? Après l’examen des facteurs de la popularité de l’exécutif est spécifié un modèle d’influence de l’économie sur la popularité avec des indicateurs sondagiers, des mesures de bruit médiatique et des résultats de l’économie réelle. L’information économique n’affecte que de manière indirecte la popularité à travers les variables de l’économie « subjective » (perception de l’économie, préoccupations). Par ailleurs, la préférence partisane conditionne largement le soutien à la politique économique très liée à la popularité présidentielle. Le déclenchement de la crise économique ponctue l’évolution de la popularité de N. Sarkozy. Au total, les vicissitudes de la popularité présidentielle semblent bien liées à l’« influence impersonnelle » de l’économie médiatisée.
Aim2 Deficiency in Mice Suppresses the Expression of the Inhibitory Fcγ Receptor (FcγRIIB) through the Induction of the IFN-Inducible p202, a Lupus Susceptibility Protein
Authors: Panchanathan Ravichandran , Shen Hui , Duan Xin , Rathinam Vijay A. K. , Erickson Loren D. , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Choubey Divaker
Published: May 2011

Murine Aim2 and Ifi202 genes (encoding for the Aim2 and p202 proteins) are members of the IFN-inducible Ifi200 gene family. The Aim2 deficiency in mice activates IFN signaling and stimulates the expression of the lupus susceptibility gene, the Ifi202, located within the NZB autoimmunity 2 (Nba2) interval. Given that the deficiency in the expression of the Fcgr2b gene (encoding for the inhibitory FcγRIIB receptor) is associated with increased lupus susceptibility in mice, we investigated whether the Aim2 protein could regulate the expression of Fcgr2b gene. In this article, we report that Aim2 deficiency in mice suppresses the expression of the FcγRIIB receptor. Interestingly, the Fcgr2b-deficient cells expressed increased levels of the IFN-β, activated IFN signaling, and expressed reduced levels of the Aim2 protein. Treatment of splenic cells with IFN-α or -γ reduced levels of the FcγRIIB mRNA and protein and also decreased the activity of the FcγRIIB p(−729/+585) Luc reporter. Moreover, levels of the FcγRIIB receptor were significantly higher in the Stat1-deficient splenic cells than in the wild-type cells. Accordingly, increased expression of IFN-β in lupus-prone B6.Nba2-ABC mice, as compared with non–lupus-prone C57BL/6 (B6) or B6.Nba2-C mice, was associated with reduced expression of the FcγRIIB receptor. Notably, overexpression of the p202 protein in cells decreased the expression of the Aim2 gene, activated the IFN response, and suppressed the expression of the Fcgr2b gene. These observations demonstrate that the expression of Aim2 protein is required to maintain the expression of the Fcgr2b gene and also predict epistatic interactions between the Ifi200 genes and the Fcgr2b gene within the Nba2 interval.
Novel TGF-β Antagonist Inhibits Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis by Inducing IL-2 Receptor-Driven STAT1 Activation
Authors: Penafuerte Claudia , Bautista-Lopez Norma , Bouchentouf Manaf , Birman Elena , Forner Kathy , Galipeau Jacques
Published: May 2011

Carcinoma derived TGF-β acts as a potent pro-oncogenic factor and suppresses antitumor immunity. To antagonize TGF-β–mediated effects in tandem with a proinflammatory immune stimulus, we generated a chimeric protein borne of the fusion of IL-2 and the soluble extracellular domain of TGF-βR II (FIST). FIST acts as a decoy receptor trapping active TGF-β in solution and interacts with IL-2–responsive lymphoid cells, inducing a distinctive hyperactivation of STAT1 downstream of IL-2R, which in turn promotes SMAD7 overexpression. Consequently, FIST-stimulated lymphoid cells are resistant to TGF-β–mediated suppression and produce significant amounts of proinflammatory cytokines. STAT1 hyperactivation further induces significant secretion of angiostatic CXCL10. Moreover, FIST upregulates T-bet expression in NK cells promoting a potent Th1-mediated antitumor response. As a result, FIST stimulation completely inhibits pancreatic cancer (PANC02) and melanoma (B16) tumor growth in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. In addition, melanoma cells expressing FIST fail to form tumors in CD8−/−, CD4−/−, B cell-deficient (μMT), and beige mice, but not in NOD-SCID and Rag2/γc knockout mice, consistent with the pivotal role of FIST-responsive, cancer-killing NK cells in vivo. In summary, FIST constitutes a novel strategy of treating cancer that targets both the host’s angiogenic and innate immune response to malignant cells.
CD44 Reciprocally Regulates the Differentiation of Encephalitogenic Th1/Th17 and Th2/Regulatory T Cells through Epigenetic Modulation Involving DNA Methylation of Cytokine Gene Promoters, Thereby Controlling the Development of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Guan Hongbing , Nagarkatti Prakash S. , Nagarkatti Mitzi
Published: May 2011

CD44 is expressed by a variety of cells, including glial and T cells. Furthermore, in the demyelinating lesions of multiple sclerosis, CD44 expression is chronically elevated. In this study, we demonstrate that targeted deletion of CD44 attenuated myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide-induced experimental autoimmune encephalitomyelitis (EAE) through novel regulatory mechanisms affecting Th differentiation. Specifically, by developing chimeras and using adoptive transfer experiments, we noted that CD44 deficiency on CD4+ T cells, but not other cells, conferred protection against EAE induction. CD44 expression played a crucial role in Th differentiation, inasmuch as deletion of CD44 inhibited Th1/Th17 differentiation while simultaneously enhancing Th2/regulatory T cell differentiation. In contrast, expression of CD44 promoted Th1/Th17 differentiation. When osteopontin and hyaluronic acid, the two major ligands of CD44, were tested for their role in Th differentiation, osteopontin, but not hyaluronic acid, promoted Th1/Th17 differentiation. Furthermore, activation of CD44+ encephalitogenic T cells with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide led to demethylation at the ifnγ/il17a promoter region while displaying hypermethylation at the il4/foxp3 gene promoter. Interestingly, similar activation of CD44-deficient encephalitogenic T cells led to increased hypermethylation of ifnγ/il17a gene and marked demethylation of il4/foxp3 gene promoter. Together, these data suggested that signaling through CD44, in encephalitogenic T cells, plays a crucial role in the differentiation of Th cells through epigenetic regulation, specifically DNA methylation of Th1/Th17 and Th2 cytokine genes. The current study also suggests that molecular targeting of CD44 receptor to promote a switch from Th1/Th17 to Th2/regulatory T cell differentiation may provide a novel treatment modality against EAE.
IL-17A–Dependent CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells Promote Immune Privilege of Corneal Allografts
Authors: Cunnusamy Khrishen , Chen Peter W. , Niederkorn Jerry Y.
Published: May 2011

IL-17A is a proinflammatory cytokine that has received attention for its role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. IL-17A has also been implicated in cardiac and renal allograft rejection. Accordingly, we hypothesized that depletion of IL-17A would enhance corneal allograft survival. Instead, our results demonstrate that blocking IL-17A in a mouse model of keratoplasty accelerated the tempo and increased the incidence of allograft rejection from 50 to 90%. We describe a novel mechanism by which CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) respond to IL-17A and enhance corneal allograft survival. Our findings suggest the following: 1) IL-17A is necessary for ocular immune privilege; 2) IL-17A is not required for the induction of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation; 3) Tregs require IL-17A to mediate a contact-dependent suppression; 4) corneal allograft Tregs suppress the efferent arm of the immune response and are Ag specific; 5) Tregs are not required for corneal allograft survival beyond day 30; and 6) corneal allograft-induced Treg-mediated suppression is transient. Our findings identify IL-17A as a cytokine essential for the maintenance of corneal immune privilege and establish a new paradigm whereby interplay between IL-17A and CD4+CD25+ Tregs is necessary for survival of corneal allografts.
Recruitment of Dendritic Cells Is Responsible for Intestinal Epithelial Damage in the Pathogenesis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis by Cronobacter sakazakii
Authors: Emami Claudia N. , Mittal Rahul , Wang Larry , Ford Henri R. , Prasadarao Nemani V.
Published: May 2011

Cronobacter sakazakii is a Gram-negative pathogen associated with the cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) that result from formula contamination. In a mouse model of NEC, we demonstrate that C. sakazakii infection results in epithelial damage by recruiting greater numbers of dendritic cells (DCs) than macrophages and neutrophils in the gut and suppresses DC maturation, which requires outer membrane protein A (OmpA) expression in C. sakazakii. Pretreatment of intestinal epithelial cell monolayers with supernatant from OmpA+ C. sakazakii/DC culture markedly enhanced membrane permeability and enterocyte apoptosis, whereas OmpA− C. sakazakii/DC culture supernatant had no effect. Analysis of OmpA+ C. sakazakii/DC coculture supernatant revealed significantly greater TGF-β production compared with the levels produced by OmpA− C. sakazakii infection. TGF-β levels were elevated in the intestinal tissue of mice infected with OmpA+ C. sakazakii. Cocultures of CaCo-2 cells and DCs in a “double-layer” model followed by infection with OmpA+ C. sakazakii significantly enhanced monolayer leakage by increasing TGF-β production. Elevated levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) were also observed in the double-layer infection model, and abrogation of iNOS expression prevented the C. sakazakii-induced CaCo-2 cell monolayer permeability despite the presence of DCs or OmpA+ C. sakazakii/DC supernatant. Blocking TGF-β activity using a neutralizing Ab suppressed iNOS production and prevented apoptosis and monolayer leakage. Depletion of DCs in newborn mice protected against C. sakazakii-induced NEC, whereas adoptive transfer of DCs rendered the animals susceptible to infection. Therefore, C. sakazakii interaction with DCs in intestine enhances the destruction of the intestinal epithelium and the onset of NEC due to increased TGF-β production.
HIV-1 Reduces Aβ-Degrading Enzymatic Activities in Primary Human Mononuclear Phagocytes
Authors: Lan Xiqian , Xu Jiqing , Kiyota Tomomi , Peng Hui , Zheng Jialin C. , Ikezu Tsuneya
Published: May 2011

The advent and wide introduction of antiretroviral therapy has greatly improved the survival and longevity of HIV-infected patients. Unfortunately, despite antiretroviral therapy treatment, these patients are still afflicted with many complications including cognitive dysfunction. There is a growing body of reports indicating accelerated deposition of amyloid plaques, which are composed of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), in HIV-infected brains, though how HIV viral infection precipitates Aβ accumulation is poorly understood. It is suggested that viral infection leads to increased production and impaired degradation of Aβ. Mononuclear phagocytes (macrophages and microglia) that are productively infected by HIV in brains play a pivotal role in Aβ degradation through the expression and execution of two endopeptidases, neprilysin (NEP) and insulin-degrading enzyme. In this study, we report that NEP has the dominant endopeptidase activity toward Aβ in macrophages. Further, we demonstrate that monomeric Aβ degradation by primary cultured macrophages and microglia was significantly impaired by HIV infection. This was accompanied with great reduction of NEP endopeptidase activity, which might be due to the diminished transport of NEP to the cell surface and intracellular accumulation at the endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes. Therefore, these data suggest that malfunction of NEP in infected macrophages may contribute to acceleration of β amyloidosis in HIV-inflicted brains, and modulation of macrophages may be a potential preventative target of Aβ-related cognitive disorders in HIV-affected patients.
Tumor-Infiltrating Programmed Death Receptor-1+ Dendritic Cells Mediate Immune Suppression in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Krempski James , Karyampudi Lavakumar , Behrens Marshall D. , Erskine Courtney L. , Hartmann Lynn , Dong Haidong , Goode Ellen L. , Kalli Kimberly R. , Knutson Keith L.
Published: May 2011

Within the ovarian cancer microenvironment, there are several mechanisms that suppress the actions of antitumor immune effectors. Delineating the complex immune microenvironment is an important goal toward developing effective immune-based therapies. A dominant pathway of immune suppression in ovarian cancer involves tumor-associated and dendritic cell (DC)-associated B7-H1. The interaction of B7-H1 with PD-1 on tumor-infiltrating T cells is a widely cited theory of immune suppression involving B7-H1 in ovarian cancer. Recent studies suggest that the B7-H1 ligand, programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1), is also expressed on myeloid cells, complicating interpretations of how B7-H1 regulates DC function in the tumor. In this study, we found that ovarian cancer-infiltrating DCs progressively expressed increased levels of PD-1 over time in addition to B7-H1. These dual-positive PD-1+ B7-H1+ DCs have a classical DC phenotype (i.e., CD11c+CD11b+CD8−), but are immature, suppressive, and respond poorly to danger signals. Accumulation of PD-1+B7-H1+ DCs in the tumor was associated with suppression of T cell activity and decreased infiltrating T cells in advancing tumors. T cell suppressor function of these DCs appeared to be mediated by T cell-associated PD-1. In contrast, ligation of PD-1 expressed on the tumor-associated DCs suppressed NF-κB activation, release of immune regulatory cytokines, and upregulation of costimulatory molecules. PD-1 blockade in mice bearing ovarian cancer substantially reduced tumor burden and increased effector Ag-specific T cell responses. Our results reveal a novel role of tumor infiltrating PD-1+B7-H1+ DCs in mediating immune suppression in ovarian cancer.
Ultrahigh bacterial production in a eutrophic subtropical Australian river: Does viral lysis short‐circuit the microbial loop?
Authors: Pollard Peter C. , Ducklow Hugh
Published: May 2011

We studied trophic dynamics in a warm eutrophic subtropical river (Bremer River, Australia) to determine potential sources of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and the fate of heterotrophic bacterial production. Sustained high rates of bacterial production suggested that the exogenous DOC was accessible (labile). Bacterial specific growth rates (0.2 h−1 to 1.8 h−1) were some of the highest measured for natural aquatic ecosystems, which is consistent with high respiration rates. Bacteria consumed 10 times more organic carbon than that supplied by the daily algal production, a result that implies that terrestrial sources of organic carbon were driving the high rates of bacterial production. Viruses (1011 L−1) were 10 times more abundant than bacteria; the viral to bacterial ratio ranged from 3.5 to 12 in the wet summer and 11 to 35 in the dry spring weather typical of eutrophic environments. Through a combination of high bacterial respiration and phage lysis, a continuous supply of terrestrial DOC was lost from the aquatic ecosystem in a CO2‐vented bacterial–viral loop. Bacterial processing of DOC in subtropical rivers may be contributing disproportionately large amounts of CO2 to the global carbon cycle compared to temperate freshwater ecosystems.
Sensitivity of summer Lake Superior thermal structure to meteorological forcing
Authors: Austin Jay A. , Allen Joshua
Published: May 2011

We use a one‐dimensional model, forced with realistic meteorological measurements, to determine to first order the sensitivity of summer surface water temperature, heat content, and vertical stratification scale to three forcing variables: air temperature, wind speed, and previous winter ice cover, all three of which have exhibited long‐term trends over the last few decades. Summer‐averaged surface temperature increases with increased air temperature, decreased ice cover, and decreased wind speed. Differences in heat content between model runs with differing initial temperatures (a proxy for winter ice cover) decrease over the course of the season, but significant differences present in late spring persist through the summer season. Interannual variability in wind speed is the predominant driver of variability in the vertical stratification scale.
Why Baltic herring and sprat are weak conduits for astaxanthin from zooplankton to piscivorous fish
Authors: Nie Xiang-Ping , Zie Jenny , Häubner Norbert , Tallmark Bo , Snoeijs Pauline
Published: May 2011

Atlantic salmon living in the brackish Baltic Sea have lower muscle pigmentation than populations elsewhere. The pigment in question is the antioxidant and vitamin A precursor astaxanthin, which is synthesized by crustaceans from algal carotenoids. Baltic salmon feed nearly exclusively on the clupeids sprat and herring. To evaluate astaxanthin availability to salmon we assessed astaxanthin levels and isomeric composition in their prey fish. We also analyzed astaxanthin dynamics in the dominant piscivorous fish in the Baltic Sea, the Atlantic cod. The geometrical E‐ (trans‐) and Z‐ (cis‐) isomers were distributed selectively in fish tissues, with highest E : Z ratios in salmon gonads (82 : 18) and lowest in herring gonads (24 : 76). Sprat and herring are not ideal prey with respect to their high whole‐body concentrations of Z‐isomers, which have low bioavailability for salmon and cod. These Z‐isomers predominantly accumulate in the clupeid gonads. A crucial mechanism for the transport of astaxanthin from clupeids to piscivores is the direct transfer of crustacean astaxanthin (mainly all‐E) from the clupeid stomachs. Low stomach astaxanthin content in clupeids decreases total astaxanthin transfer to higher trophic levels. In autumn, herring stomachs (including contents) had 12.5 times lower astaxanthin concentrations than sprat stomachs, and herring had 2.8 times less whole‐body all‐E‐astaxanthin (by weight) than sprat. These results confirm recent reports of starvation in the Baltic herring, which may further decrease astaxanthin levels in the Baltic salmon. Cod did not have lower astaxanthin levels than their Atlantic counterpart, which may be attributed to their lower need for astaxanthin and higher food diversity.
Determinants of the PIC : POC response in the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi under future ocean acidification scenarios
Authors: Findlay Helen S. , Calosi Piero , Crawfurd Katharine
Published: May 2011

We use a meta‐analysis to quantify the response of Emiliania huxleyi particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) to particulate organic carbon (POC) ratio under different laboratory conditions and changes in carbonate chemistry. There is an overarching trend of decreasing PIC : POC across all ecotypes irrespective of the strain, isolation date, isolation location, and method of acidification. The variability about this overall trend is explained by the different nutrient and light regimes used in each experiment, but there is no evidence for a strain‐specific response that might be expected if strains had adapted to the average environmental conditions at the locations from which the strain was isolated; indeed, each strain shows a comparably broad physiological window. We propose that E. huxleyi PIC : POC exhibits a plastic response to carbonate conditions that can be predicted by the seawater concentrations of aqueous CO2, total alkalinity, and phosphate conditions. This relationship now requires field validation as well as longer‐term studies of E. huxleyi response to variable environmental conditions.
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy: Detecting and Interpreting the Mobility of Transmembrane Proteins In Vivo
Authors: Malchus Nina
Published: May 2011

Mobility of proteins is crucial for their functionality. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a sensitive tool for assessing dynamics in vivo. It can reveal properties of diffusing proteins, as well as of the surrounding medium. Hence, subtle changes in the dynamics after treatment with toxic substances can be visualized. On biological membranes, the high concentration of transmembrane and peripheral membrane proteins leads to molecular crowding, and thus to a change in the diffusion behavior, i.e., to anomalous diffusion of membrane proteins. Presented here is a protocol for conducting and evaluating FCS measurements of membrane proteins before and after treatment. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 48:2.19.1‐2.19.16. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cellular fura‐2 Manganese Extraction Assay (CFMEA)
Authors: Kwakye Gunnar F. , Li Daphne , Kabobel Olympia A. , Bowman Aaron B.
Published: May 2011

Cellular manganese (Mn) uptake and transport dynamics can be measured using a cellular fura‐2 manganese extraction assay (CFMEA). The assay described here uses immortalized murine striatal cell line and primary cortical astrocytes, but the method is equally adaptable to other cultured mammalian cells. An ultrasensitive fluorescent nucleic acid stain for quantification of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) in solution, Quant‐iT PicoGreen, has been utilized for normalization of Mn concentration in the cultured cells, following Mn (II) chloride (MnCl2) exposure. Depending on the cell type and density, other methods, e.g., protein determination assays or cell counts, may also be used for normalization. Methods are described for rapidly stopping Mn uptake and transport processes at specified times, extraction, and quantification of cellular Mn content, and normalization of Mn levels to dsDNA concentration. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 48:12.18.1‐12.18.20. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Novel‐Type Inorganic Foams from Preceramic Polymers with Embedded Titania Nanoparticles for Photo‐Catalytic Applications
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sarama , Das Pratik Ranjan , Ohl Christiane , Wilker Viola , Kappa Mathias , Scheffler Franziska , Scheffler Michael
Published: May 2011

Photocatalytic active silica‐based foams were prepared by embedding nanotitania (anatase) into a self‐foaming glass particle‐loaded preceramic polymer and then thermally converting it in air into a silica‐based material. The foaming behavior of the mixture was found to be influenced by the volume fraction of the filler materials, resulting in open‐cellular or fused composite materials. Transformation from the anatase modification into the rutile modification is prevented even at 800 °C by the formation of SiOTi bonds. The composite foam structure with embedded nanotitania was tested in methylene blue decomposition under UV irradiation and it was found to have higher photocatalytic activity compared to unsupported nanotitania.
An innovative approach to interdisciplinary occupational safety and health education
Authors: Rosen Mitchel A. , Caravanos Jack , Milek Debra , Udasin Iris
Published: May 2011

Background

The New York and New Jersey Education and Research Center (ERC) provides a range of graduate continuing education for occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals in training. A key element of the education is to provide interdisciplinary training to industrial hygienists, ergonomists, occupational medicine physicians and other health and safety trainees to prepare them for the collaboration required to solve the complex occupational health and safety problems they will face in their careers.

Methods

This center has developed an innovative interdisciplinary training approach that provides an historical aspect, while allowing the graduate students to identify solutions to occupational issues from a multi‐disciplinary approach. The ERC developed a tour that brings students to sites of historical and/or contemporary significance in the occupational safety and health and environmental fields.

Results

The ERC has conducted five tours, and has included 85 students and residents as participants. 80% of participants rated the tour as providing a high amount of OSH knowledge gained. 98% of the participants felt the goal of providing interdisciplinary education was achieved.

Conclusions

This tour has been successful in bridging the OSH fields to better understand how occupational and environmental exposures have occurred, in order to prevent future exposures so that workplace conditions and health can be improved. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:515–520, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reproducibility of asbestos body counts in digestions of autopsy and surgical lung tissue
Authors: Velasco‐García María‐Isabel , Cruz María‐Jesus , Ruano Laura , Montero María‐Angeles , Freixa Asunción , Ferrer Jaume
Published: May 2011

Background

Asbestos body (AB) counting by a single observer is the most commonly used objective technique to demonstrate asbestos deposition in the lung. In this study, the accuracy and reliability of this procedure is analyzed by evaluating the degree of agreement between two experienced readers.

Methods

Lung tissue specimens from 66 individuals, most of whom had not been exposed to asbestos, were studied: 35 were obtained in postmortem studies (upper, middle, and lower lung) and 31 were from patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer. Overall, 167 samples were analyzed. Lung tissue sections weighing 0.5 g were obtained prospectively and processed, and the inorganic residue was analyzed by light microscopy at 400× magnification by two experienced readers. Results were expressed as AB/g of dry lung tissue. Interobserver variability was analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient and agreement was evaluated by the Bland–Altman method and the kappa index.

Results

The interobserver correlation was 0.8975: 0.8029 for autopsy samples and 0.9592 for biopsy samples. Bland–Altman plots showed that most values were grouped around the 95% limits of agreement. The kappa index was 0.87 for all samples, and 0.79, 0.65, and 0.54 for upper, middle, and lower lung specimens, respectively.

Conclusions

Asbestos body counting by a single reader is a reliable method, especially at low concentrations of asbestos bodies in lung tissue. Double reading may be indicated in borderline cases with asbestos body levels close to levels of 1 000 AB/g. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:597–602, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Common genetic influences on depression, alcohol, and substance use disorders in Mexican‐American families
Authors: Olvera R.L. , Bearden C.E. , Velligan D.I. , Almasy L. , Carless M.A. , Curran J.E. , Williamson D.E. , Duggirala R. , Blangero J. , Glahn D.C.
Published: May 2011

Multiple genetic and environmental factors influence the risk for both major depression and alcohol/substance use disorders. In addition, there is evidence that these illnesses share genetic factors. Although, the heritability of these illnesses is well established, relatively few studies have focused on ethnic minority populations. Here, we document the prevalence, heritability, and genetic correlations between major depression and alcohol and drug disorders in a large, community‐ascertained sample of Mexican‐American families. A total of 1,122 Mexican‐American individuals from 71 extended pedigrees participated in the study. All subjects received in‐person psychiatric interviews. Heritability, genetic, and environmental correlations were estimated using SOLAR. Thirty‐five percent of the sample met criteria for DSM‐IV lifetime major depression, 34% met lifetime criteria for alcohol use disorders, and 8% met criteria for lifetime drug use disorders. The heritability for major depression was estimated to be h2 = 0.393 (P = 3.7 × 10−6). Heritability estimates were higher for recurrent depression (h2 = 0.463, P = 4.0 × 10−6) and early onset depression (h2 = 0.485, P = 8.5 × 10−5). While the genetic correlation between major depression and alcohol use disorders was significant (ρg = 0.58, P = 7 × 10−3), the environmental correlation between these traits was not significant. Although, there is evidence for increased rates of depression and substance use in US‐born individuals of Mexican ancestry, our findings indicate that genetic control over major depression and alcohol/substance use disorders in the Mexican‐American population is similar to that reported in other populations. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of the pH on the formation of pyrazine compounds by the Maillard reaction of L‐ascorbic acid with acidic, basic and neutral amino acids
Authors: Yu Ai‐Nong , Tan Zhi‐Wei , Shi Bo‐An
Published: May 2011

The influence of different pHs, ranging from 5.0 to 9.0, on the formation of pyrazines in the Maillard reaction of L‐ascorbic acid with acidic, basic and neutral amino acids was studied. The results clearly showed that pyrazine formation was favored at higher pH. These findings suggest that the formation of pyrazines is catalyzed by base. However, pH affects the formation of pyrazines at different degrees for neutral, acidic and basic amino acids. The pH has the greatest impact on acidic amino acids and the least impact on basic amino acids and the impact of pH on neutral amino acids is in between. L‐Cysteine behaves similar to acidic amino acids because of its weakly acidic mercapto group. Another finding is that the formation of some pyrazines is independent of the amino acid structure, and the amino acids are solely a nitrogen source and do not provide carbon skeletons. © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contrasting impacts of spring thermal conditions over Tibetan Plateau on late‐spring to early‐summer precipitation in southeast China
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Wang Yi
Published: May 2011

The thermal condition of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is considered as an important factor impacting the Asian monsoon. However, how to determine the thermal condition and when and where the Asian monsoon is influenced are still open issues. Here the spring thermal condition of TP is determined using 600 hPa temperatures. For the past 30 years (1979–2008), we have determined three cold years (CY) and three warm years (WY) and conducted contrasting analyses of the subsequent precipitation and large‐scale atmospheric dynamics over China. Our analyses indicate that the precipitation is more than normal in late spring (LS) and less than normal in early summer (ES) during WY in southeast China (SEC), while the opposite pattern is true during CY. Further analyses of 850 hPa circulation and tropospheric vertical motion show that the anomalous southerly wind and ascending motion are dominated in SEC during LS for WY and ES for CY, while the anomalous westerly wind and descending motion are dominated during ES for WY and LS for CY. The coherent dynamical structure impacts the monsoon moisture transport and large‐scale atmospheric stability, and therefore is the fundamental cause of precipitation anomalies. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Reverse engineering of protein secretion by uncoupling of cell cycle phases from growth
Authors: Buchetics Markus , Dragosits Martin , Maurer Michael , Rebnegger Corinna , Porro Danilo , Sauer Michael , Gasser Brigitte , Mattanovich Diethard
Published: May 2011

The demand for recombinant proteins both for biopharmaceutical and technical applications is rapidly growing, and therefore the need to establish highly productive expression systems is steadily increasing. Yeasts, such as Pichia pastoris, are among the widely used production platforms with a strong emphasis on secreted proteins. Protein secretion is a limiting factor of productivity. There is strong evidence that secretion is coupled to specific growth rate (µ) in yeast, being higher at higher µ. For maximum productivity and product titer, high specific secretion rates at low µ would be desired. At high secretion rates cultures contain a large fraction of cells in the G2 and M phases of cell cycle. Consequently, the cell design target of a high fraction of cells in G2 + M phase was achieved by constitutive overexpression of the cyclin gene CLB2. Together with predictive process modeling this reverse engineered production strain improved the space time yield (STY) of an antibody Fab fragment by 18% and the product titer by 53%. This concept was verified with another secreted protein, human trypsinogen. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 2403–2412. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduction of acetone to isopropanol using producer gas fermenting microbes
Authors: Ramachandriya Karthikeyan D. , Wilkins Mark R. , Delorme Marthah J.M. , Zhu Xiaoguang , Kundiyana Dimple K. , Atiyeh Hasan K. , Huhnke Raymond L.
Published: May 2011

Gasification‐fermentation is an emerging technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic materials into biofuels and specialty chemicals. For effective utilization of producer gas by fermenting bacteria, tar compounds produced in the gasification process are often removed by wet scrubbing techniques using acetone. In a preliminary study using biomass generated producer gas scrubbed with acetone, an accumulation of acetone and subsequent isopropanol production was observed. The effect of 2 g/L acetone concentrations in the fermentation media on growth and product distributions was studied with “Clostridium ragsdalei,” also known as Clostridium strain P11 or P11, and Clostridium carboxidivorans P7 or P7. The reduction of acetone to isopropanol was possible with “C. ragsdalei,” but not with P7. In P11 this reaction occurred rapidly when acetone was added in the acidogenic phase, but was 2.5 times slower when added in the solventogenic phase. Acetone at concentrations of 2 g/L did not affect the growth of P7, but ethanol increased by 41% and acetic acid concentrations decreased by 79%. In the fermentations using P11, growth was unaffected and ethanol concentrations increased by 55% when acetone was added in the acidogenic phase. Acetic acid concentrations increased by 19% in both the treatments where acetone was added. Our observations indicate that P11 has a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase that enables it to reduce acetone to isopropanol, while P7 lacks this enzyme. P11 offers an opportunity for biological production of isopropanol from acetone reduction in the presence of gaseous substrates (CO, CO2, and H2). Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 2330–2338. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic regurgitation in a stentless bioprosthetic valve with the core valve revalving system—Technical tips and role of the accutrak system
Authors: Sarkar Kunal , Ussia Gian Paolo , Tamburino Corrado
Published: May 2011

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation may offer a less invasive alternate to surgical reoperation in patients with failed aortic bioprosthetic valves. Prior reports have focussed on successful transcatheter treatment of stented bioprosthesis. Newer stentless valves offer unique technical challenges. In the absence of radiopaque markers, the deployment is carried out under angiographic control. Device stability is also an important issue in cases of severe regurgitation. We report on the first case of percutaneous replacement of a severely regurgitant degenerated stentless bioprosthesis treated with the new iteration of the core valve system incorporating the Accutrak stability layer. Salient technical expedients have been mentioned and discussed in detail. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective Modification of the Acid–Base Properties of Ceria by Supported Au
Authors: C. I. Bezen Manuela , Breitkopf Cornelia , El Kolli Nadia , Krafft Jean‐Marc , Louis Catherine , Lercher Johannes A.
Published: May 2011

Au supported on CeO2 prepared by deposition–precipitation with urea leads to a basic catalyst. Au acts in two ways as surface modifier. First, Au selectively interacts with Ce4+ cations by either blocking access to or reducing Ce4+ to Ce3+. Second, the resulting Au atoms (presumably as Au+ ions) act as soft, weak Lewis acid sites stabilizing carbanion intermediates and enhancing hydride abstraction in the dehydrogenation of alcohols. In consequence, the thus‐synthesized basic catalyst catalyzes the dehydrogenation of propan‐2‐ol to acetone with high efficiency and without notable deactivation. Additionally, the dehydration pathway of propan‐2‐ol is eliminated, as Au also quantitatively blocks access to strongly acidic Ce4+ ions or reduces them to Ce3+.