bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expediency‐based practice? Medical students' reliance on Google and Wikipedia for biomedical inquiries
Authors: Judd Terry , Kennedy Gregor
Published: January 2010

Internet usage logs captured during self‐directed learning sessions were used to determine how undergraduate medical students used five popular sites to locate and access biomedical resources. Students' perceptions of each site's usefulness and reliability were determined through a survey. Google and Wikipedia were the most frequently used sites despite students rating them as the least reliable of the five sites investigated. The library—the students' primary point of access to online journals—was the least used site, and when using Google less than 40% of pages or resources located by students were from ‘high’ quality sources. Students' use of all sites' search tools was unsophisticated. Despite being avid users of online information and search tools, the students targeted in this study appeared to lack the requisite information‐seeking skills to make the most of online resources. Although there is evidence that these skills improved over time, a greater emphasis on information literacy skills training may be required to ensure that graduates are able to locate the best available evidence to support their professional practice.
Friends Have All Things in Common: Utopian Property Relations
Authors: Sargisson Lucy
Published: January 2010

Utopian theory has long challenged the conventions of private property. Drawing on two case studies, this article explores utopian practices that challenge dominant property narratives. These practices range from the mundane to the profound and occur inside the domestic, economic, interpersonal and ideological structures of the cases in question. These cases are Riverside and Centrepoint Communities: two intentional communities, comprised of people who have chosen to live and work together for a common purpose, are critical of current socioeconomic (and ideological, spiritual and interpersonal) norms and who intend to create a better life for their members.
Bayes Ice‐Breaker
Authors: Jessop Alan
Published: January 2010

Showing simply how statistical thinking can help in weighing evidence and reaching decisions can be useful both as an introduction to an extended presentation of statistical theory and as an introduction to a looser discussion of the nature and value of data.
Mad Libs Statistics: A ‘Happy’ Activity
Authors: Trumpower David
Published: January 2010

This article describes a fun activity that can be used to help students make links between statistical analyses and their real‐world implications. Although an illustrative example is provided using analysis of variance, the activity may be adapted for use with other statistical techniques.
The Conversion of Social Capital into Community Development: an Intervention in Australia's Outback
Authors: ONYX JENNY , LEONARD ROSEMARY
Published: January 2010

The research presented in this article employed a deliberate intervention to mobilize social capital and then studied the dynamics of the way in which it influenced community development. Whether or not social capital is able to facilitate development depends on the specific context in which it occurs. Although the general context of this study was that of small rural towns in Australia's outback that are experiencing decline, each of the four towns studied had unique features which could influence the mobilization of social capital. Rural communities have the willingness and capacity to mobilize but whether this capacity is actualized may well depend on the presence of other mobilizing factors. Specifically the intervention study found that a structure needs to be in place which can take the initiative and work across the community — engaging a range of organizations. Second, the structure needs to be supported, but not controlled, by local government. Third, it needs the kind of social entrepreneurship that can sustain a community‐wide vision and bring together the diverse groups within the community.

Les recherches présentées s'appuient sur une opération destinée à mobiliser le capital social, afin d'étudier les dynamiques selon lesquelles il a influé sur le développement communautaire. L'aptitude du capital social à faciliter le développement dépend du contexte dans lequel celui‐ci se produit. Bien que cette étude se place dans de petites villes de campagnes reculées d'Australie confrontées à un déclin, chacune des quatre villes concernées présentaient des spécificités propres susceptibles d'influencer la mobilisation du capital social. Les communautés rurales ont la volonté et la capacité de se mobiliser, mais la concrétisation de cette capacité peut dépendre largement de la présence d'autres facteurs mobilisateurs. En particulier, l'analyse de l'opération montre qu'il doit exister une structure capable de prendre l'initiative et de travailler avec toute la communauté en impliquant tout un éventail d'organismes. Ensuite, il faut que la structure soit épaulée, et non contrôlée, par le gouvernement local. Enfin, elle a besoin d'une sorte d'esprit d'entreprise sociale qui puisse nourrir une vision à l'échelle communautaire et réunir les différents groupes présents dans la communauté.
Well being, psychopathology and coping strategies in psoriasis compared with atopic dermatitis: a controlled study
Authors: Leibovici V , Canetti L , Yahalomi S , Cooper‐Kazaz R , Bonne O , Ingber A , Bachar E
Published: January 2010

Background  There is a vast literature describing the association between psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD) and psychological distress. Some of these studies were uncontrolled and others used non‐dermatological diseases as control, but only a few used chronic skin diseases as controls.

Objective  To compare well being, psychopathology and coping strategies of psoriatic, AD and healthy controls in a prospective case‐control study.

Methods  Thirty‐seven psoriatic patients and 31 AD patients were recruited from the Hadassah Ein Karem Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel, outpatient and inward clinic. The participants in the control group were 31 healthy workers and volunteers with no dermatological diseases from Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel. We used self‐report questionnaires [Mental Health Inventory (MHI) and Adjustment to Chronic Skin Diseases Questionnaire (ACSD)], a projective technique (Hand Test) and assessment tools (Clinical Global Impression).

Results  Psoriatic patients experienced reduced well being (P = 0.007) and more anxiety and depression (P = 0.018) than normal controls. Psoriatic patients also displayed more severe psychopathology (P = 0.039) a more passive attitude towards life, and loss of meaning in life (P = 0.001) as measured by the projective technique compared with AD patients and normal controls.

Conclusions  We propose two explanations, derived from the psychological and the psycho‐neuro‐immunological domains. First, greater mental distress in psoriasis is because of the greater stigma it bears compared with AD. Alternatively, we hypothesize that the psoriatic inflammatory process may possibly have a direct central nervous system effect.
Preterm delivery and risk of subsequent cardiovascular morbidity and type‐II diabetes in the mother
Authors: Lykke JA , Paidas MJ , Damm P , Triche EW , Kuczynski E , Langhoff‐Roos J
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: Lykke J, Paidas M, Damm P, Triche E, Kuczynski E, Langhoff‐Roos J. Preterm delivery and risk of subsequent cardiovascular morbidity and type‐II diabetes in the mother. BJOG 2010;117:274–281.

Objective  Preterm delivery has been shown to be associated with subsequent maternal cardiovascular morbidity. However, the impact of the severity and recurrence of preterm delivery on the risk of specific cardiovascular events and the metabolic syndrome in the mother, have not been investigated.

Design  National registry‐based retrospective cohort study.

Setting  Women delivering in Denmark from 1978 to 2007.

Population  Women with a first singleton delivery (n = 782 287), and with a first and second singleton delivery (n = 536 419).

Methods  Cox proportional hazard models, with the gestational age stratified into four groups as primary exposure. We made adjustments for maternal age, year of delivery, hypertensive pregnancy disorders, fetal growth deviation, placental abruption and stillbirth.

Main outcome measures  Subsequent maternal hypertension, ischaemic heart diseases, thromboembolism and type‐II diabetes.

Results  After a first delivery at 32–36 completed weeks of gestation, the adjusted risk of subsequent type‐II diabetes increased 1.89‐fold (1.69–2.10) and the risk of thromboembolism increased 1.42‐fold (1.24–1.62). Women having a preterm delivery in the first pregnancy and a term delivery in the second had a 1.58‐fold (1.34–1.86) increased risk of type‐II diabetes and a 1.18‐fold (0.96–1.44) increased risk of thromboembolism. Women having two preterm deliveries had a 2.30‐fold (1.71–3.10) increased risk of type‐II diabetes and a 1.80‐fold (1.29–2.50) increased risk of thromboembolism.

Conclusions  Preterm delivery is independent of other pregnancy complications associated with subsequent maternal overt type‐II diabetes and thromboembolism. The recurrence of preterm delivery will augment these risks.
Different profiles of circulating angiogenic factors and adipocytokines between early‐ and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Masuyama H , Segawa T , Sumida Y , Masumoto A , Inoue S , Akahori Y , Hiramatsu Y
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: Masuyama H, Segawa T, Sumida Y, Masumoto A, Inoue S, Akahori Y, Hiramatsu Y. Different profiles of circulating angiogenic factors and adipocytokines between early‐ and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia. BJOG 2010;117:314–320.

Objective  Circulating angiogenic factors have been shown to be important in the pathophysiology of pre‐eclampsia. Blood levels of adipocytokines differ in pre‐eclampsia relative to controls and may also play an important role in disease pathogenesis. Differences in the circulating levels of these molecules were compared between matched normotensive controls and women with pre‐eclampsia with onset before or at/after 32 weeks, and according to whether the women were of normal weight (18.5 < body mass index < 25) or overweight.

Design  A cross‐sectional study of 110 pregnant Japanese women who visited the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan.

Setting  Tertiary referral centre serving 2000 births.

Methods  Serum concentrations of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‐1), placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble endoglin (sEng), adiponectin and leptin were measured in women with pre‐eclampsia and in normotensive controls matched for age, gestational week, parity and body mass index.

Main outcome measures  Serum levels of sFlt‐1, PlGF, the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio, sEng, adiponectin and leptin.

Results  The sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia was significantly higher than that in late‐onset pre‐eclampsia (112.0 ± 30.2 versus 45.4 ± 43.8, P = 0.037). There was a significant elevation of leptin in both subtypes relative to controls (early: 58.6 ± 18.3 ng/ml versus 26.0 ± 6.7 ng/ml, P = 0.001; late: 39.5 ± 9.2 ng/ml versus 22.0 ± 4.3 ng/ml, P = 0.005), but adiponectin was increased only in late‐onset pre‐eclampsia (36.5 ± 13.4 μg/ml versus 12.0 ± 4.3 μg/ml, P = 0.003). Significant differences in angiogenic factors and adiponectin were found between normal and overweight women only in late‐onset pre‐eclampsia.

Conclusions  These data suggest that there are different profiles of angiogenic factors and adipocytokines between women who develop early‐ and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia.
Evidence that MDMA (‘ecstasy’) increases cannabinoid CB2 receptor expression in microglial cells: role in the neuroinflammatory response in rat brain
Authors: Torres Elisa , Gutierrez‐Lopez Maria Dolores , Borcel Erika , Peraile Ines , Mayado Andrea , O’Shea Esther , Colado Maria Isabel
Published: January 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2010.06578.x

3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) produces selective long‐lasting serotonergic neurotoxicity in rats. The drug also produces acute hyperthermia which modulates the severity of the neurotoxic response. In addition, MDMA produces signs of neuroinflammation reflected as microglial activation and an increase in the release of interleukin‐1β, the latter of which appears to be a consequence of the hyperthermic response and to be implicated in the neurotoxicity induced by the drug. Over‐expression of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor in microglia during non‐immune and immune pathological conditions is thought to be aimed at controlling the production of neurotoxic factors such as proinflammatory cytokines. Our objective was to study the pattern of CB2 receptor expression following MDMA and to examine the effect of JWH‐015 (a CB2 agonist) on the MDMA‐induced neuroinflammatory response as well as 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) neurotoxicity. Adult Dark Agouti rats were given MDMA (12.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and killed 3 h or 24 h later for the determination of CB2 receptor expression. JWH‐015 was given 48 h, 24 h and 0.5 h before MDMA and 1 h and/or 6 h later and animals were killed for the determination of microglial activation (3 h and 24 h) and 5‐HT neurotoxicity (7 days). MDMA increased CB2 receptor expression shortly after administration and these receptors were found in microglia. JWH‐015 decreased MDMA‐induced microglial activation and interleukin‐1β release and slightly decreased MDMA‐induced 5‐HT neurotoxicity. In conclusion, CB2 receptor activation reduces the neuroinflammatory response following MDMA and provides partial neuroprotection against the drug.
Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Regional Systolic Function and Dyssynchrony in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mu Yuming , Chen Lu , Tang Qi , Ayoufu Guligena
Published: January 2010

Purpose: To evaluate left ventricular (LV) regional systolic function and dyssynchrony in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) by real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT‐3DE). Methods: The study population comprised 30 normal controls (NOR) and 44 patients with DCM. We divided the left ventricle into apical, middle, and basal regions. We calculated the LV regional end‐diastolic volume (REDV), regional end‐systolic volume (RESV), regional ejection fraction (REF), and standard deviation in the time to minimal systolic volume in each level segment (Tmsv‐SD) of the three regions by RT‐3DE. Results: Compared with NOR, the REDV, RESV, and Tmsv‐SD of DCM were significantly higher, whereas the REF was lower (P < 0.01). In DCM, the Tmsv‐SD increased smoothly from base to apex, and the REF gradually decreased from base to apex (P < 0. 05). Linear correlation was observed between the Tmsv‐SD of the middle region and 3D‐EF in DCM (r =−0. 6829, P < 0.01). Conclusion: RT‐3DE provides a simple and feasible approach to quantify LV regional systolic function and dyssynchrony. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:415‐420)
Signaling of c‐kit in dendritic cells influences adaptive immunity
Authors: Ray Prabir , Krishnamoorthy Nandini , Oriss Timothy B. , Ray Anuradha
Published: January 2010

The binding of the receptor tyrosine kinase, c‐kit, to its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), mediates numerous biological functions. Important roles for c‐kit in hematopoiesis, melanogenesis, erythropoiesis, spermatogenesis, and carcinogenesis are well documented. Similarly, activation of granulocytes, mast cells, and of eosinophils in particular, by c‐kit ligation has long been known to result in degranulation with concomitant release of pro‐inflammatory mediators, including cytokines. However, recent work from a number of laboratories, including our own, highlights previously unappreciated functions for c‐kit in immunologic processes. These novel findings strongly suggest that signaling through the c‐kit–SCF axis could have a significant impact on the pathogenesis of diseases associated with an immunologic component. In our own studies, c‐kit upregulation on dendritic cells via T helper (Th)2‐ and Th17‐inducing stimuli led to c‐kit activation and immune skewing toward these T helper subsets and away from Th1 responses. Others have shown that dendritic cell treatment with inhibitors of c‐kit activation, such as imatinib mesylate (Gleevec), favored breaking of T‐cell tolerance, skewing of responses toward production of Th1 cytokines, and activation of natural killer cells. These data all indicate that deeper understanding of, and ability to control, the c‐kit–SCF axis could lead to improved treatment modalities aimed at redirecting unwanted and/or deleterious immune responses in a wide variety of conditions.
Galectins: regulators of acute and chronic inflammation
Authors: Liu Fu‐Tong , Rabinovich Gabriel A.
Published: January 2010

Galectins, β‐galactoside‐binding animal lectins, are differentially expressed by various immune cells as well as a wide range of other cell types. Extracellularly, galectins are able to exhibit bivalent or multivalent interactions with cell‐surface glycans on various immune cells and exert various effects. These include cytokine and mediator production, cell adhesion, apoptosis, and chemoattraction. In addition, they can form lattices with cell‐surface glycoprotein receptors, resulting in modulation of receptor functions, including clustering and endocytosis. Intracellularly, galectins can participate in signaling pathways and modulate biologic responses. These include apoptosis, cell differentiation, and cell migration. Thus, a large body of literature indicates that galectins play important roles in the immune and inflammatory responses through regulating the homeostasis and functions of immune cells. The use of mice deficient in individual galectins has provided additional evidence for the contributions of these proteins to these responses. Current research indicates that galectins play important roles in the development of acute inflammation as well as chronic inflammation associated with allergies, autoimmune diseases, atherosclerosis, infectious processes, and cancer. Thus, recombinant proteins or specific galectin inhibitors may be used as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.
Th1 and Th17 cells
Authors: Damsker Jesse M. , Hansen Anna M. , Caspi Rachel R.
Published: January 2010

Autoreactive effector CD4+ T cells have been associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. Early studies implicated the interferon (IFN)‐γ‐producing T helper (Th)1 subset of CD4+ cells as the causal agents in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. However, further studies have suggested a more complex story. In models thought to be driven by Th1 cells, mice lacking the hallmark Th1 cytokine IFN‐γ were not protected but tended to have enhanced susceptibility to disease. Identification of the IL‐17‐producing CD4+ effector cell lineage (Th17) has helped shed light on this issue. Th17 effector cells are induced in parallel to Th1, and, like Th1, polarized Th17 cells have the capacity to cause inflammation and autoimmune disease. This, together with the finding that deficiency of the Th17‐related cytokine IL‐23 but not the Th1‐related cytokine IL‐12 causes resistance, led to the notion that Th17 cells are the chief contributors to autoimmune tissue inflammation. Nevertheless, mice lacking IL‐17 are not protected from disease and display elevated numbers of IFN‐γ‐producing CD4+ T cells, and, in some cases, lack of IFN‐γ does confer resistance. Recent studies report overlapping as well as differential roles of these cells in tissue inflammation, which suggests the existence of a more complex relationship between these two effector T‐cell subsets than has hitherto been suspected. This review will attempt to bring together current information regarding interaction, balance, and collaborative potential between the Th1 and Th17 effector lineages.
B10 cells and regulatory B cells balance immune responses during inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer
Authors: DiLillo David J. , Matsushita Takashi , Tedder Thomas F.
Published: January 2010

The ability of B cells to negatively regulate cellular immune responses and inflammation has only recently been described. Hallmark papers from a number of distinguished laboratories have identified phenotypically diverse B‐cell subsets with regulatory functions during distinct autoimmune diseases, including IL‐10‐producing B cells, CD5+ B‐1a cells, CD1d+ marginal zone B cells, and transitional‐2‐marginal zone precursor B cells. Most recently, a numerically rare and phenotypically unique CD1dhiCD5+CD19hi subset of regulatory B cells has been identified in the spleens of both normal and autoimmune mice. CD1dhiCD5+ B cells with the capacity to produce IL‐10 have been named B10 cells as they produce IL‐10 exclusively and are the predominant B‐cell source of IL‐10. Remarkably, B10 cells are potent negative regulators of inflammation and autoimmunity in mouse models of disease in vivo. Herein, our current understanding of B10‐cell development and function is reviewed in the context of previous studies that have identified and characterized regulatory B cells, emerging evidence for B10‐cell regulation of tumor immunity, and the likelihood that B10 cells exist in humans.
Characterization of human synovial fluid cells of 26 patients with osteoarthritis knee for cartilage repair therapy
Authors: KUROSE Rie , ICHINOHE Sadafumi , TAJIMA Goro , HORIUCHI Saburo , KUROSE Akira , SAWAI Takashi , SHIMAMURA Tadashi
Published: January 2010

Aim:  To investigate the possibility of chondrogenic differentiation and cartilage repair of synovial fluid cells of osteoarthritis (OA) knee.

Methods:  Synovial fluids from 26 patients with OA knee were aspirated from each knee joint and cultured in vitro. The morphology of cultured synovial fluid cells, cell proliferation rate, the phenotype, and chondrogenic differentiation were analyzed in in vitro. Also, human autologous synovial fluid cells were transplanted to OA cartilage, and the cells were traced in ex vivo.

Results:  In 19 of 26 materials, the cells proliferated satisfactorily. The cell proliferation in six materials was very slow and one material contaminated. Culture‐expanded synovial fluid cells had a fibroblastic morphology and the phenotype was negative for CD10, CD14, and CD45, and positive for CD13, CD44, and CD105. Pellet culture of synovial fluid cells showed chondrogenic differentiation. In the ex vivo study, autologous transplanted synovial fluid cells were observed in repaired or enhanced regenerative cartilage areas and showed a tendency to infiltrate the original degenerative cartilage of OA.

Conclusions:  This study proved the possibility of chondrogenic differentiation of synovial fluid cells of OA knee joints despite the pathologic environment within a diseased joint. Synovial fluid cells were actually heterogeneous cells but they showed chondrogenic differentiation, similar to that of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (BMMPCs). The Ex vivo study suggested that synovial fluid cells had a tendency to adhere to OA degenerative cartilage in humans.
Phrenic nerve afferent activation of neurons in the cat SI cerebral cortex
Authors: Davenport Paul W. , Reep Roger L. , Thompson Floyd J.
Published: January 2010

Stimulation of respiratory afferents elicits neural activity in the somatosensory region of the cerebral cortex in humans and animals. Respiratory afferents have been stimulated with mechanical loads applied to breathing and electrical stimulation of respiratory nerves and muscles. It was hypothesized that stimulation of the phrenic nerve myelinated afferents will activate neurons in the 3a and 3b region of the somatosensory cortex. This was investigated in cats with electrical stimulation of the intrathoracic phrenic nerve and C5 root of the phrenic nerve. The somatosensory cortical response to phrenic afferent stimulation was recorded from the cortical surface, contralateral to the phrenic nerve, ispilateral to the phrenic nerve and with microelectrodes inserted into the cortical site of the surface dipole. Short‐latency, primary cortical evoked potentials (1° CEP) were recorded with stimulation of myelinated afferents of the intrathoracic phrenic nerve in the contralateral post‐cruciate gyrus of all animals (n= 42). The mean onset and peak latencies were 8.5 ± 5.7 ms and 21.8 ± 9.8 ms, respectively. The rostro‐caudal surface location of the 1° CEP was found between the rostral edge of the post‐cruciate dimple (PCD) and the rostral edge of the ansate sulcus, medio‐lateral location was between 2 mm lateral to the sagittal sulcus and the lateral end of the cruciate sulcus. Histological examination revealed that the 1° CEP sites were recorded over areas 3a and 3b of the SI somatosensory cortex. Intracortical activation of 16 neurons with two patterns of neural activity was recorded: (1) short‐latency, short‐duration activation of neurons and (2) long‐latency, long‐duration activation of neurons. Short‐latency neurons had a mean onset latency of 10.4 ± 3.1 ms and mean burst duration of 10.1 ± 3.2 ms. The short‐latency units were recorded at an average depth of 1.7 ± 0.5 mm below the cortical surface. The long‐latency neurons had a mean onset latency of 36.0 ± 4.2 ms and mean burst duration of 32.2 ± 8.4 ms. The long‐latency units were recorded at an average depth of 2.4 ± 0.2 mm below the cortical surface. The results of the study demonstrated that phrenic nerve afferents have a short‐latency central projection to the SI somatosensory cortex. The phrenic afferents activated neurons in lamina III and IV of areas 3a and 3b. The cortical representation of phrenic nerve afferents is medial to the forelimb, lateral to the hindlimb, similar to thoracic loci, hence the phrenic afferent SI site in the cat homunculus is consistent with body position (thoracic region) rather than spinal segment (C5–C7). The phrenic afferent activation of the somatosensory cortex is bilateral, with the ipsilateral cortical activation occurring subsequent to the contralateral. These results support the hypothesis that phrenic afferents provide somatosensory information to the cerebral cortex which can be used for diaphragmatic proprioception and somatosensation.
Prenatal synthetic glucocorticoid exposure alters hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal regulation and pregnancy outcomes in mature female guinea pigs
Authors: Dunn Elizabeth , Kapoor Amita , Leen Jason , Matthews Stephen G.
Published: January 2010

Preterm delivery occurs in approximately 10% of all pregnancies. Prenatal exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids (sGCs) reduces the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in these babies. Therefore, administration of multiple courses of sGCs became common practice. Animal and human studies have demonstrated that multiple courses of sGCs can have long‐term effects. While the majority of animal studies have been undertaken in male offspring, it is emerging that there are profound sex differences in the consequences of prenatal sGC exposure. To our knowledge, no studies have determined the effects of prenatal sGC exposure on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function in female offspring while accounting for reproductive cycle status, or determined if there are effects on pregnancy parameters. Pregnant guinea pigs were administered three courses of betamethasone (Beta), dexamethasone (Dex) or vehicle on gestational days 40/41, 50/51 and 60/61. In adulthood (age range: postnatal days 126–165), basal and activated HPA axis function were assessed at various stages of the reproductive cycle. The female offspring were then mated and underwent an undisturbed pregnancy. Females were killed in the luteal phase of the reproductive cycle following litter weaning, and molecular analysis undertaken. In the luteal phase, Beta‐exposed females exhibited significantly lower basal salivary cortisol levels (P < 0.05). Dex‐exposed females also exhibited significantly lower basal salivary cortisol levels during the luteal phase (P < 0.05), but increased basal salivary cortisol levels during the ostrous phase (P < 0.01). The Beta‐exposed females exhibited increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA expression in the CA1/2 region of the hippocampus (P < 0.05) and MC2R mRNA in the adrenal cortex (P < 0.05). The Dex‐exposed animals exhibited higher hippocampal GR and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Beta‐exposed females showed reduced fecundity (P < 0.05). In Dex‐exposed females there was a lower male to female sex ratio. In conclusion, prenatal sGC exposure affects HPA axis activity, in a cycle‐dependent manner, and long‐term reproductive success. The clinical implications of the findings on endocrine function and pregnancy in females are profound and further follow‐up is warranted in human cohorts. Furthermore, we have shown there are considerable difference in phenotypes between the Beta‐ and Dex‐exposed females and the specific endocrine and maternal outcome is contingent on the specific sGCs administered during pregnancy.
Single Phase Compressible Steady Flow in Pipes
Authors: Hullender David , Woods Robert , Huang Yi-Wei
Published: January 2010

In general, the computation of single phase subsonic mass velocity of gas flowing through a pipe requires a computerized iterative analysis. The equations for the friction factor for laminar and turbulent flow are used to obtain explicit equations for the subsonic mass velocity as a function of the pressures at the ends of a pipe. Explicit equations for mass velocity are presented. Included within the equations is a heat transfer ratio, which can vary between 0 for adiabatic flow conditions to 1 for isothermal flow conditions. The use of this heat transfer ratio also enables the formulation of an explicit equation for the gas temperature along the pipe for nonisothermal flow conditions. The explicit equations eliminate the need for an iterative solution. Laboratory data are used to support the accuracy of the model.
Minimum uncertainty wave packet in relativistic quantum mechanics
Authors: Nogami Y. , Toyama F. M.
Published: January 2010

In nonrelativistic quantum mechanics in one dimension a wave packet can be constructed for which the minimum uncertainty relation for position and momentum, ΔxΔp=ℏ/2, holds exactly. The wave function of the wave packet is Gaussian and satisfies the Schrödinger equation for a harmonic oscillator potential. We illustrate a similar situation in relativistic quantum mechanics for the one-dimensional Dirac equation.
A simple method for observing precursors in water waves
Authors: Ripper Timothy
Published: January 2010

Precursors are characteristic wave patterns that arise when an impulse travels through a dispersive medium. They are especially easy to observe in water waves due to their slow propagation speed and strong dispersive effects. The competing influences of gravity and surface tension mediated by the water’s depth create an unusual dispersion relation that gives rise to a variety of precursors, not all of which appear in other media. A method is presented for observing precursors in water waves which is easily implemented in an undergraduate laboratory setting and which agrees with a numerical evaluation based on first principles.
On the derivation of the Green’s function for the Helmholtz equation using generalized functions
Authors: Schmalz Jelena A. , Schmalz Gerd , Gureyev Timur E. , Pavlov Konstantin M.
Published: January 2010

A method for constructing the Green’s function for the Helmholtz equation in free space subject to Sommerfeld radiation conditions is presented. Unlike the methods found in many textbooks, the present technique allows us to obtain all of the possible Green’s functions before selecting the one that satisfies the choice of boundary conditions.
Distortion of the stellar sky by a Schwarzschild black hole
Authors: Müller Thomas , Weiskopf Daniel
Published: January 2010

The optical appearance of the stellar sky for an observer in the vicinity of a black hole is dominated by bending of light, the frequency shift, and the magnification caused by gravitational lensing and aberration. Due to the finite aperture of an observer’s eye or a telescope, Fraunhofer diffraction has to be taken into account. We have used high performance graphics hardware and developed a program that enables the user to interactively explore the stellar sky in the vicinity of a Schwarzschild black hole. To do so, we determine what an observer, who can either move quasistatically around the black hole or follow a timelike radial geodesic, would actually see.
A complementary study of the role of the Hall electric field for generation of the force on current-carrying wire in a magnetic field
Authors: Sakai M. , Honda N. , Fujimoto F. , Nakamura O. , Shibata H.
Published: January 2010

When a current-carrying wire is placed in a transverse magnetic field, a macroscopic force and a transverse Hall electric field are generated. An experimental and theoretical study of the role of the Hall electric field on the generation of the force on the current-carrying wire was conducted employing single-carrier, conventional bipolar type conductors, and unusual bipolar type conductors, in which an approximately zero Hall electric field is expected. It is shown theoretically and experimentally that the collisions of the carrier with the ions solely contribute to the Lorentz force transmission mechanism in the unusual bipolar type conductors, whereas the action of collisions of the carrier with ions as well as the action of the Hall electric field on the lattice ions is responsible for transmission of the Lorentz force in the usual bipolar conductors. A self-consistent treatment of the generation of the Hall electric field is given.
On the value of geometric algebra for spacetime analyses using an investigation of the form of the self-force on an accelerating charged particle as a case study
Authors: Rowland David R.
Published: January 2010

The ability to treat vectors in classical mechanics and classical electromagnetism as single geometric objects rather than as a set of components facilitates physical understanding and theoretical analysis. To do the same in four-dimensional spacetime calculations requires a generalization of the vector cross product. Geometric algebra provides such a generalization and is much less abstract than exterior forms. It is shown that many results from geometric algebra are useful for spacetime calculations and can be presented as simple extensions of conventional vector algebra. As an example, it is shown that geometric algebra tightly constrains the possible forms of the self-force that an accelerating charged particle experiences and predicts the Lorentz–Abraham–Dirac equation of motion up to a constant of proportionality. Geometric algebra also makes the important physical content of the Lorentz–Abraham–Dirac equation more transparent than does the standard tensor form of this equation, thus allowing a proposed modification to this equation free from the problems of preacceleration and runaway motion to be easily predicted.
About transforming of radiation brightness in optical processes
Authors: Shepelev Andrey V.
Published: January 2010

A laser pumped by optical radiation may be considered as a system that increases the brightness and the temperature of radiation. Is stimulated emission the only way to achieve this result? We analyze the general conditions for increasing the brightness and the radiation temperature.
Niche Metamorphosis
Authors: Hines Pamela M.
Published: January 2010

Intestinal stem cell progenitors use Notch signaling to specify a niche cell that remains undifferentiated until metamorphosis.
Wingless Enforces Strict Segregation
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: January 2010

Signaling by the secreted morphogen wingless controls deposition of a myosin II–containing barrier that prevents cell mixing at segmental boundaries of the fly embryo.
BCR Survival Signals
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: January 2010

Chronic active B cell receptor signaling promotes cell survival in some types of diffuse large B cell lymphomas.
Trailing or Paradoxical Growth of
Candida albicans
When Exposed to Caspofungin Is Not Associated with Microsatellite Genotypes
Authors: Khlif Mohamed , Bogreau Hervé , Michel-Nguyen Annie , Ayadi Ali , Ranque Stéphane
Published: January 2010

Multilocus microsatellite polymorphisms in 27 clinical
Candida albicans
isolates were found to be clearly unrelated to
in vitro
paradoxical growth or trailing effect with caspofungin. These findings suggest that such
in vitro
phenotypes are either gained or lost too rapidly to be predicted by more stable genomic markers.
Attenuation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Inflammation by the Nonbacteriolytic Antibiotic Daptomycin versus That by Ceftriaxone in Experimental Pneumococcal Meningitis
Authors: Grandgirard Denis , Oberson Kevin , Bühlmann Angela , Gäumann Rahel , Leib Stephen L.
Published: January 2010

Antibiotic-induced bacteriolysis exacerbates inflammation and brain damage in bacterial meningitis. Here the quality and temporal kinetics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflammation were assessed in an infant rat pneumococcal meningitis model for the nonbacteriolytic antibiotic daptomycin versus ceftriaxone. Daptomycin led to lower CSF concentrations of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-10, IL-18, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1α) (
P
< 0.05). In experimental pneumococcal meningitis, daptomycin treatment resulted in more rapid bacterial killing, lower CSF inflammation, and less brain damage than ceftriaxone treatment.
Antibiotic Sensitivity Profiles Determined with an
Escherichia coli
Gene Knockout Collection: Generating an Antibiotic Bar Code
Authors: Liu Anne , Tran Lillian , Becket Elinne , Lee Kim , Chinn Laney , Park Eunice , Tran Katherine , Miller Jeffrey H.
Published: January 2010

We have defined a sensitivity profile for 22 antibiotics by extending previous work testing the entire KEIO collection of close to 4,000 single-gene knockouts in
Escherichia coli
for increased susceptibility to 1 of 14 different antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, rifampin [rifampicin], vancomycin, ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin, metronidazole, streptomycin, fusidic acid, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin, erythromycin, and triclosan). We screened one or more subinhibitory concentrations of each antibiotic, generating more than 80,000 data points and allowing a reduction of the entire collection to a set of 283 strains that display significantly increased sensitivity to at least one of the antibiotics. We used this reduced set of strains to determine a profile for eight additional antibiotics (spectinomycin, cephradine, aztreonem, colistin, neomycin, enoxacin, tobramycin, and cefoxitin). The profiles for the 22 antibiotics represent a growing catalog of sensitivity fingerprints that can be separated into two components, multidrug-resistant mutants and those mutants that confer relatively specific sensitivity to the antibiotic or type of antibiotic tested. The latter group can be represented by a set of 20 to 60 strains that can be used for the rapid typing of antibiotics by generating a virtual bar code readout of the specific sensitivities. Taken together, these data reveal the complexity of intrinsic resistance and provide additional targets for the design of codrugs (or combinations of drugs) that potentiate existing antibiotics.
Penicillin-Binding Protein Gene Alterations in
Streptococcus uberis
Isolates Presenting Decreased Susceptibility to Penicillin
Authors: Haenni Marisa , Galofaro Laure , Ythier Mathilde , Giddey Marlyse , Majcherczyk Paul , Moreillon Philippe , Madec Jean-Yves
Published: January 2010

Streptococcus uberis
is an environmental pathogen commonly causing bovine mastitis, an infection that is generally treated with penicillin G. No field case of true penicillin-resistant
S. uberis
(MIC > 16 mg/liter) has been described yet, but isolates presenting decreased susceptibility (MIC of 0.25 to 0.5 mg/liter) to this drug are regularly reported to our laboratory. In this study, we demonstrated that
S. uberis
can readily develop penicillin resistance in laboratory-evolved mutants. The molecular mechanism of resistance (acquisition of mutations in penicillin-binding protein 1A [PBP1A], PBP2B, and PBP2X) was generally similar to that of all other penicillin-resistant streptococci described so far. In addition, it was also specific to
S. uberis
in that independent resistant mutants carried a unique set of seven consensus mutations, of which only one (Q
554
E in PBP2X) was commonly found in other streptococci. In parallel, independent isolates from bovine mastitis with different geographical origins (France, Holland, and Switzerland) and presenting a decreased susceptibility to penicillin were characterized. No mosaic PBPs were detected, but they all presented mutations identical to the one found in the laboratory-evolved mutants. This indicates that penicillin resistance development in
S. uberis
might follow a stringent pathway that would explain, in addition to the ecological niche of this pathogen, why naturally occurring resistances are still rare. In addition, this study shows that there is a reservoir of mutated PBPs in animals, which might be exchanged with other streptococci, such as
Streptococcus agalactiae
, that could potentially be transmitted to humans.
Population Pharmacokinetic Comparison and Pharmacodynamic Breakpoints of Ceftazidime in Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Bulitta J. B. , Landersdorfer C. B. , Hüttner S. J. , Drusano G. L. , Kinzig M. , Holzgrabe U. , Stephan U. , Sörgel F.
Published: January 2010

Despite the promising activity of ceftazidime against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Burkholderia cepacia
, there has not yet been a study that directly compared the pharmacokinetics (PK) of ceftazidime in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and healthy volunteers by population PK methodology. We assessed the population PK and PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) breakpoints of ceftazidime in CF patients and healthy volunteers. Eight CF patients (total body weight [WT] [average ± standard deviation] = 42.9 ± 18.4 kg) and seven healthy volunteers (WT = 66.2 ± 4.9 kg) received 2 g ceftazidime as a 5-min intravenous infusion. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for drug analysis, and NONMEM (results reported), S-ADAPT, and NPAG were used for parametric and nonparametric population PK modeling. We considered linear and allometric body size models to scale clearance and volume of distribution. Monte Carlo simulations were based on a target time of non-protein-bound plasma concentration of ceftazidime above MIC of ≥65%, which represents near-maximal killing. Unscaled total clearance was 19% lower in CF patients, and volume of distribution was 36% lower. Total clearance was 7.82 liters/h for CF patients and 6.68 liters/h for healthy volunteers with 53 kg fat-free mass. Allometric scaling by fat-free mass reduced the between-subject variability by 32% for clearance and by 18 to 26% for volume of both peripheral compartments compared to linear scaling by WT. A 30-min ceftazidime infusion of 2 g/70 kg WT every 8 h (q8h) achieved robust (≥90%) probabilities of target attainment (PTAs) for MICs of ≤1 mg/liter in CF patients and ≤3 mg/liter in healthy volunteers. Alternative modes of administration achieved robust PTAs up to markedly higher MICs of ≤8 to 12 mg/liter in CF patients for 5-h infusions of 2 g/70 kg WT q8h and ≤12 mg/liter for continuous infusion of 6 g/70 kg WT daily.
Impact of Azithromycin Resistance Mutations on the Virulence and Fitness of
Chlamydia caviae
in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Binet Rachel , Bowlin Anne K. , Maurelli Anthony T. , Rank Roger G.
Published: January 2010

Azithromycin (AZM) is a major drug used in the treatment and prophylaxis of infections caused by
Chlamydia
, yet no significant clinical resistance has been reported for these obligate intracellular bacteria. Nevertheless, spontaneous AZM resistance (Azm
r
) arose
in vitro
at frequencies ranging from 3 × 10
−8
to 8 × 10
−10
for clonal isolates of
Chlamydia caviae
, which is a natural pathogen of guinea pigs. Sequencing of the unique 23S rRNA gene copy in 44 independent Azm
r
isolates identified single mutations at position A
2058
or A
2059
(
Escherichia coli
numbering system). While SP
6
AZ
1
(A
2058
C) and SP
6
AZ
2
(A
2059
C) Azm
r
mutants showed growth defects in cell culture and were less pathogenic in the guinea pig ocular infection model than in the parent SP
6
, the three isogenic
C. caviae
isolates grew equally well in the animal. On the other hand, coinoculation of the
C. caviae
parent strain with one of the Azm
r
strains was detrimental for the mutant strain. This apparent lack of association between pathology and bacterial load
in vivo
showed that virulence of the two Azm
r
mutants of
C. caviae
was attenuated. While chlamydial growth
in vitro
reflects the ability of the bacteria to multiply in permissive cells, survival in the host is a balance between cellular multiplication and clearance by the host immune system. The obligate intracellular nature of
Chlamydia
may therefore limit emergence of resistance
in vivo
due to the strength of the immune response induced by the wild-type antibiotic-sensitive bacteria at the time of antibiotic treatment.
Update on
Cyclospora cayetanensis
, a Food-Borne and Waterborne Parasite
Authors: Ortega Ynés R. , Sanchez Roxana
Published: January 2010

The coccidian parasite
Cyclospora cayetanensis
is recognized as an emerging pathogen that causes protracted diarrhea in humans. The first cases of
Cyclospora
infection were reported in the late 1970s and were observed among expatriates and travelers in regions where infections are endemic. Since then,
Cyclospora
has been considered a cause of traveler's diarrhea. Epidemiological investigations were reported and examined in areas of endemicity even before the true identity of
Cyclospora
was elucidated.
Cyclospora
was fully characterized in the early 1990s, but it was not until the 1995
Cyclospora
outbreak in the United States and Canada that it caught the attention of the public and physicians. The biology, clinical presentation, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control of cyclosporiasis are reviewed, with a focus on diagnostic assays currently being used for clinical and environmental samples. Challenges and limitations in working with
Cyclospora
are also discussed.
Impact of Varicella Vaccine on Varicella-Zoster Virus Dynamics
Authors: Schmid D. Scott , Jumaan Aisha O.
Published: January 2010

The licensure and recommendation of varicella vaccine in the mid-1990s in the United States have led to dramatic declines in varicella incidence and varicella-related deaths and hospitalizations. Varicella outbreaks remain common and occur increasingly in highly vaccinated populations. Breakthrough varicella in vaccinated individuals is characteristically mild, typically with fewer lesions that frequently do not progress to a vesicular stage. As such, the laboratory diagnosis of varicella has grown increasingly important, particularly in outbreak settings. In this review the impact of varicella vaccine on varicella-zoster virus (VZV) disease, arising complications in the effective diagnosis and monitoring of VZV transmission, and the relative strengths and limitations of currently available laboratory diagnostic techniques are all addressed. Since disease symptoms often resolve in outbreak settings before suitable test specimens can be obtained, the need to develop new diagnostic approaches that rely on alternative patient samples is also discussed.