bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial Disparities in Access to Mortgage Credit: Does Governance Matter?*
Authors: Casey Colleen , Glasberg Davita Silfen , Beeman Angie
Published: July 2011

Objectives. This article examines the effect of community organizing on the likelihood that minority borrowers pursue home mortgage credit from regulated lenders.

Methods. Governance perspectives suggest that community organizations exert significant influence on policy outcomes. We use logistic regression with interaction terms to test the effect of community organizing on the lending outcomes of minority borrowers. We use a matched control sample of cities, drawing on 2004 loan data from two midwestern cities similar in racial and economic composition but with different histories of organizing around the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).

Results. We find differential effects based on an applicant's race or ethnicity. Overall, African‐American applicants are less likely to pursue mortgage credit for home ownership from regulated lenders than their white, non‐Hispanic counterparts. However, African Americans seeking mortgage credit in a city with a history of CRA organizing are more likely to apply to regulated lenders than their racial counterparts in a city without CRA organizing. However, while organizing reduces the disparities between white and African‐American applicants, a gap still remains.

Conclusion. African‐American borrowers living in cities with a history of community organizing around CRA appear more likely to pursue mortgage credit from traditional, regulated lenders, suggesting that governance matters.
Who Benefits Most from Financial Aid? The Heterogeneous Effect of Need‐Based Grants on Students' College Persistence*
Authors: Alon Sigal
Published: July 2011

Objectives. This study assesses whether need‐based grants are equally conducive to the college persistence of students from various economic strata and the extent to which a redistribution of funds can narrow economic‐based inequality in college persistence.

Methods. To estimate the causal effect of need‐based grants on several persistence outcomes the discontinuity created in the dollar amounts of Pell grants when the students have siblings attending college is exploited. The analyses use a nationally representative sample of students enrolled at four‐year institutions in 1995.

Results. While the allocation of Pell Grants responds to students' pecuniary constraints, institutional and state grants expand the circle of recipients to more well‐off students. Yet, it is only the persistence of students from the bottom half of the income distribution that is sensitive to aid amounts. If the need‐based funds granted to affluent students had been diverted to these students, the gap in first‐year persistence would have been closed.

Conclusions. For a redistribution of funds to boost degree attainment and achieve equality of educational opportunity it must be based on stricter means‐tested allocations of nonfederal funds as they are the main source of need‐based aid.
The “Coffin Fly”Conicera tibialis (Diptera: Phoridae) Breeding on Buried Human Remains After a Postmortem Interval of 18 Years*
Authors: Martín‐Vega Daniel , Gómez‐Gómez Aída , Baz Arturo
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  The “coffin fly,”Conicera tibialis Schmitz (Order: Diptera, Family: Phoridae), is well known for its frequent occurrence on buried corpses, in some cases after postmortem intervals of even 3–5 years. The present report describes the presence of a large amount of individuals of C. tibialis inside the coffin of a buried human corpse exhumed 18 years after death in central Spain. Adults, some of them newly emerged, and empty puparia were found in connection with the remains. Such postmortem interval is significantly longer than previously known for this species and raises the question on the current state of knowledge about the use of insects for estimating the postmortem interval in old, buried remains.
Cluster Hanging Suicides in the Young in South Australia
Authors: Austin Amy E. , van den Heuvel Corinna , Byard Roger W.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Retrospective review of hanging suicides in individuals aged ≤17 years was undertaken at Forensic Science South Australia, Australia, over two 5‐year periods: 1995–1999 and 2005–2009. Seven cases of hanging suicides were identified from 1995 to 1999, with a further 14 cases from 2005 to 2009, an increase of 100% (p < 0.001). Hanging accounted for 33.3% of all suicides in this age group (7/21) from 1995 to 1999, compared with 93.3% of the total number of suicides (14/15) in the second 5‐year period. In contrast, Australian national data from 1998 and 2008 showed a 30% decrease in hanging suicides in the young, from one case/100,000 population in 1998 to 0.7 in 2008. Cluster suicides occur in the young and are often initiated by direct communication. As it is possible that Internet‐based social sites may facilitate this phenomenon, investigations should include an evaluation of the victim’s Internet access given the potential risk of similar actions by peers.
An Investigation into the Use of a Portable Cyanoacrylate Fuming System (SUPERfume®) and Aluminum Powder for the Development of Latent Fingermarks*
Authors: Fieldhouse Sarah J.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Few techniques offer “in situ” methods of friction ridge skin mark development. “In situ” development reduces mark transportation, degradation, and often cost. The effectiveness of cyanoacrylate fuming using the SUPERfume® and dusting with aluminum powder for latent fingermark development on several nonporous surfaces, stored in various temperature environments for time periods up to 52 weeks, was investigated. Five thousand and four hundred latent fingermarks were deposited under controlled conditions and graded. The results suggested that cyanoacrylate fuming (SUPERfume®, Foster and Freeman, U.K.) was more effective at developing latent fingermarks on textured and smooth plastic surfaces and for marks stored in temperatures of 37°C, whereas aluminum powder was more effective on glass, enameled metal paint, and varnished wood, and for storage temperatures below 20°C. There were no significant benefits to using either technique for marks older than 24 h, but it was possible to develop fingermarks following 52 weeks of storage using both techniques.
‘Dealing with ambiguity’– the role of obstetricians in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: PERSSON MARGARETA , HÖRNSTEN ÅSA , WINKVIST ANNA , MOGREN INGRID
Published: July 2011

Objective. Gestational diabetes mellitus is a pregnancy‐related complication and therefore obstetricians counsel and manage the maternal health care for these women. This study describes obstetricians’ experiences of management of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Design. Interview study. Setting. Hospital‐based specialist maternal health care clinics in Sweden. Population. A consecutive purposive national sample of 17 obstetricians providing maternal health care to pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Result. The overall theme describing the experiences of the obstetricians was labeled ‘Dealing with ambiguity’. This ambiguity permeated all aspects of working as an obstetrician within the maternal health care; the role of the obstetrician, the context of organization, the multifaceted maternal and fetal interests to balance, and lack of consensus, recommendations and evidence‐based knowledge. Conclusions. The study revealed the ambiguous situation experienced and managed by obstetricians providing maternal health care to pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. This indicates a need for national guidelines and standardized maternal health care services regarding gestational diabetes mellitus to fulfill the intentions of the health care system. Such recommendations may be beneficial and supportive for the health care professionals as well as for the mother‐to‐be and her fetus.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced inflammatory responses in cattle
Authors: KUSHIBIKI Shiro
Published: July 2011

Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is recognized as a cytokine because of its involvement in inflammation‐mediated biological defense functions. Although TNF‐α is primarily produced by macrophages, it is also produced by other cells, including lymphocytes, Kupffer cells, natural killer cells and adipocytes. While TNF‐α has diverse immune system functions, including antitumor activity, antimicrobial activity and mediation of inflammation, it also regulates a number of physiological functions, including appetite, fever, energy metabolism and endocrine activity. Factors such as viruses, parasites, other cytokines, and endotoxins induce TNF‐α production. In combination with other cytokines, TNF‐α plays a clinically important role in cattle by mediating immune inflammatory responses such as mastitis and endotoxic shock. It has been reported that cytokines such as TNF‐α are involved in metabolic disease such as acidosis. On the other hand, several data suggest that lactoferrin (LF) acts to prevent the release of a number of inflammatory mediators from various activated cells, and further suggest that the prophylactic effect of LF involves inhibition of cytokine production, including TNF‐α, that are principal mediators of the inflammatory response leading to death from toxic shock. This review discusses the role of TNF‐α in pathological conditions in cattle, including infections and metabolic diseases caused by perturbation of metabolism and endocrine functions.
A reinvestigation of the lipopolysaccharide structure of Helicobacter pylori strain Sydney (SS1)
Authors: Altman Eleonora , Chandan Vandana , Li Jianjun , Vinogradov Evgeny
Published: July 2011

In this study, we describe a reinvestigation of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure of Helicobacter pylori strain Sydney (SS1) based on the NMR analysis of oligosaccharides obtained through the use of various degradations of the LPS as well as capillary electrophoresis–MS data. The results of the analysis indicated that the core region of a major H. pylori SS1 LPS glycoform consists of a backbone core oligosaccharide substituted at the d‐glycero‐d‐manno‐heptose (dd‐Hep) residue by a linear chain composed of a trisaccharide fragment α‐ddHep‐3‐α‐l‐Fuc‐3‐β‐GlcNAc, as previously demonstrated for H. pylori strain 26695, further elongated by consecutively added α‐Glc and β‐Gal residues, and terminating in a novel linear chain consisting of 1,2‐linked β‐ribofuranosyl residues, where the last β‐ribofuranosyl residue provides a point of attachment for the O‐chain polysaccharide:
image

where [2‐β‐Ribf‐]n is a short (three to five residues) oligomer of 1,2‐linked β‐ribofuranose (riban), and PS is a polysaccharide chain consisting of N‐acetyllactosamine, substituted with α‐Fuc to form Lewis (Le)‐type structures. In addition to the previously identified LacNAc, Ley and Lex components, the O‐chain polysaccharide of H. pylori SS1 LPS was found to contain a novel LacNAc unit carrying a phosphoethanolamine substituent at the O‐6 position of β‐GlcNAc residues.
Inhibition of doxorubicin‐induced autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells by sorafenib – the role of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase counteraction
Authors: Manov Irena , Pollak Yulia , Broneshter Rinata , Iancu Theodore C.
Published: July 2011

A multikinase inhibitor of the Raf/mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, sorafenib, is increasingly being used in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, and its combination with conventional chemotherapeutics has stimulated particular interest. Although the combination of sorafenib with doxorubicin (DOX) is presently being investigated in a phase III randomized trial, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of their interaction. Because DOX causes cell death through upregulation of the MEK/ERK pathway, and sorafenib has an opposite influence on the same cascade, we hypothesized that co‐treatment with these drugs may lead to an antagonistic effect. DOX treatment arrested proliferation and induced autophagic cell death in Hep3B cells, whereas apoptotic changes were not conspicuous. Sorafenib alone affected viability and caused massive mitochondrial degradation. However, when added together with DOX, sorafenib facilitated cell cycle progression, increased survival, and reduced autophagy. To evaluate the molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon, we examined the expression of ERK1/2, protein kinase B (Akt), and cyclin D1, as well as the members of Bcl‐2 family. ERK1/2 activation induced by DOX was suppressed by sorafenib. Similarly, ERK targeting with the selective inhibitor U0126 impaired DOX‐induced toxicity. Treatment with sorafenib, either alone or in combination with DOX, resulted in Akt activation. The role of sorafenib‐induced degradation of cyclin D1 in the suppression of DOX efficiency is discussed. In conclusion, MEK/ERK counteraction, stimulation of survival via Akt and dysregulation of cyclin D1 could contribute to the escape from DOX‐induced autophagy and thus promote cancer cell survival. The use of MEK/ERK inhibitors in combination with chemotherapeutics, intended to enhance anticancer efficacy, requires the consideration of possible antagonistic effects.
Mutations in 16S rRNA that suppress cold‐sensitive initiation factor 1 affect ribosomal subunit association
Authors: Belotserkovsky Jaroslav M. , Dabbs Eric R. , Isaksson Leif A.
Published: July 2011

A mutation in the infA gene encoding initiation factor 1 (IF1) gives rise to a cold‐sensitive phenotype. An Escherichia coli strain with this mutation was used as a tool to select for second‐site suppressors that compensate for the cold sensitivity and map specifically to rRNA. Several suppressor mutants with altered 16S rRNA that partially restore growth of an IF1 mutant strain in the cold were isolated and characterized. Suppressor mutations were found in helix (h)18, h32, h34 and h41 in 16S rRNA. These mutations are not clustered to any particular region in 16S rRNA and none overlap previously reported sites of interaction with IF1. While the isolated suppressors are structurally diverse, they are functionally related because all affect ribosomal subunit association in vivo. Furthermore, in vitro subunit‐association experiments indicate that most of the suppressor mutations directly influence ribosomal subunit association even though none of these are confined to any of the known intersubunit bridges. These results are consistent with the model that IF1 is an rRNA chaperone that induces large‐scale conformational changes in the small ribosomal subunit, and as a consequence modulates initiation of translation by affecting subunit association.
The PKR Activator PACT Is Induced by Aβ: Involvement in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Paquet Claire , Mouton‐Liger François , Meurs Eliane F. , Mazot Pierre , Bouras Constantin , Pradier Laurent , Gray Françoise , Hugon Jacques
Published: July 2011

The neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include senile plaques made of Aβ peptide, neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated tau protein and neuronal loss. The pro‐apoptotic kinase PKR can be activated by Aβ and can phosphorylate tau protein via GSK3β kinase activation. The activated form of PKR (pPKR) accumulates in affected neurons and could participate in neuronal degeneration in AD. The mechanism of abnormal PKR activation in AD is not elucidated but could be linked to the PKR activator PACT. PACT stainings, and levels were assessed in the brains of AD patients and in APP/PS1 knock‐in transgenic mice and in cell cultures exposed to stresses. We showed that PACT and pPKR colocalizations are enhanced in AD brains. Their levels are increased and correlated in AD and APP/PS1 knock‐in mice brains. In human neuroblastoma cells exposed to Aβ, tunicamycin or H2O2, PACT and pPKR concentrations are increased. PACT then PKR inhibitions indicate that PACT is upstream of PKR activation. Our findings demonstrate that PACT levels are enhanced in AD brains and could partly be caused by the action of Aβ. In addition, PACT participates in PKR activation. The PACT–PKR pathway represents a potential link between Aβ accumulation, PKR activation and tau phosphorylation.
Effects of Photoactivated Titanium Dioxide Nanopowders and Coating on Planktonic and Biofilm Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Polo Andrea , Diamanti Maria Vittoria , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Høiby Niels , Villa Federica , Pedeferri Maria Pia , Cappitelli Francesca
Published: July 2011

We exploited the ability of photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an agent for the biofilm control. Two photocatalytic systems were investigated: a 3 g L−1 suspension of TiO2 nanopowder in demineralized water and glass slides coated with a TiO2 thin film, achieved by sol‐gel deposition. A running protocol for the photoactivation of TiO2 was set up using the dye rhodamine B. The microorganisms studied were Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a Bacillus cereus‐group as planktonic cells. P. aeruginosa biofilms were also studied at both the solid‐liquid and the solid‐air interface. The TiO2 nanopowder produced 1‐log reduction of Bacillus sp. planktonic cells in 24 h, 2‐log reduction of P. stutzeri planktonic cells in 30 min and 1‐log reduction of P. aeruginosa planktonic cells in 2 h compared with non–photo‐activated TiO2. TiO2 thin film produced almost a complete eradication of P. aeruginosa planktonic cells (initial concentration 108 cells mL−1) in 24 h compared to a 3‐log reduction caused by UV‐A light alone. In contrast, neither the photocatalytic treatment with TiO2 film nor that with TiO2 nanopowder had any effect on P. aeruginosa biofilms at all the interfaces investigated. Possible explanations for these findings, and for the discrepancy between this work and literature data, are discussed.
Effect of posterior cruciate ligament rupture on biomechanical features of the medial femoral condyle
Authors: Gao Shu‐guang , Jiang Wei , Lei Guang‐hua , Xu Mai , Yu Fang , Li Kang‐hua
Published: July 2011

Objective:  To investigate the biomechanical impact of rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and its various bundles on the medial femoral condyle.

Methods:  Twelve fresh human cadaveric knee specimens were divided into four groups: PCL intact, anterolateral band (ALB) rupture, posteromedial band (PMB) rupture and PCL complete rupture groups according to the purpose and order of testing. Strain in the middle of the medial femoral condyle was measured under different loads (200–800 N) at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion.

Results:  At 0° of knee flexion, compared with the PCL intact and ALB rupture groups, strain on the medial femoral condyle increased in the PMB rupture and PCL complete rupture groups under all loading conditions. There was no statistical difference between the PMB rupture and PCL complete rupture groups. At 30°, 60° and 90° of knee flexion, compared with the PCL intact group, increase in strain on the medial femoral condyle was noted in the ALB rupture group under higher loading conditions (600 N and 800 N) and PCL complete rupture group under all loading conditions. The PCL complete rupture group had higher strain on the medial femoral condyle than did the ALB rupture group under most loading conditions.

Conclusion:  At 0° of knee flexion, PMB rupture or PCL complete rupture can cause increase in strain on the medial femoral condyle. However, at 30°, 60° and 90° of knee flexion, ALB rupture or PCL complete rupture can cause increase in strain on the medial femoral condyle.
Progress in diagnosis and treatment of cervical postoperative infection
Authors: Che Wu , Li Ruo‐yu , Dong Jian
Published: July 2011

Postoperative infection is the commonest complication that causes failure of spinal surgery. Although the rate of infection after cervical surgery is lower than that after lumbar surgery, the absolute number of cases is increasing. In recent years, new techniques, such as serum amyloid A and fludeoxyglucose (18F) positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET), have emerged and gradually been employed in the diagnosis of postoperative infection, updating the ability to identify the presence of infection. Most patients with cervical postoperative infection require re‐operation. There are three principles for such surgery: thorough debridement, adequate drainage and ensuring stability of the spine. Some severe cases even need emergency surgery. This article aims to discuss the controversial issues in diagnosis and treatment of cervical postoperative infection, as well as progress in related studies.
Comparison of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for complications
Authors: Zhang Ji‐dong , Poffyn Bart , Sys Gwen , Uyttendaele Dirk
Published: July 2011

Vertebroplasty (VP) and kyphoplasty (KP) have been proven equally effective in providing pain relief in patients with vertebral compression fractures (VCF). Both have been reported to have multiple complications which, though rare, are potentially devastating. This literature review focuses on comparing the incidence of various types of complication of VP and KP. Local cement leakage and pulmonary cement embolism have been reported more commonly after VP than KP. It is questionable whether the relative risk of developing an adjacent level new fracture after VP is greater than after KP The relationship between a new VCF and each of these procedures has also not been clearly established. Although the majority of complications are clinically silent, their potential risks, which include a fatal outcome, should always be kept in mind by the practitioner.
The effect of Staphylococcus aureus on apoptosis of cultured human osteoblasts
Authors: Ning Ren‐de , Zhang Xian‐long , Li Qing‐tian , Guo Xiao‐kui
Published: July 2011

Objective:  To investigate the effect of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) on cultured human osteoblast apoptosis and the corresponding mode of action.

Methods:  Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), assessment of DNA laddering, and flow cytometry assays were used to investigate human osteoblast apoptosis following infection with S. aureus.

Results:  TEM examination and DNA laddering assessment indicated that S. aureus can induce cultured human osteoblast apoptosis. Flow cytometry assays showed that human osteoblast apoptosis occurs in a dose‐dependent manner following infection with S. aureus. In addition, compared with under co‐culture conditions, inhibition of invasion by S. aureus resulted in a 64.62% reduction in the percentage of early apoptotic cells (P < 0.01); 7.09% ± 1.21% of human osteoblasts under indirect co‐culture with S. aureus at a multiplicity of infection of 250 showed an early apoptotic profile compared with uninfected controls(P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  S. aureus induces cultured human osteoblast apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. Intracellular S. aureus is mainly responsible for cultured human osteoblast apoptosis following infection; secreted soluble factor(s) of S. aureus playing a minor role in this process.
Serum alkaline phosphatase activity is not a marker for neoplastic transformation of esophageal nodules in canine spirocercosis
Authors: Mukorera Varaidzo , van der Merwe Liesel L. , Lavy Eran , Aroch Itamar , Dvir Eran
Published: July 2011

Background: Spirocerca lupi is a nematode of Canidae that matures within the esophageal wall to form fibroblastic nodules with potential for malignant transformation. Diagnosis is based on histopathologic examination, but false‐negative results may be obtained from samples collected by endoscopy. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, frequently increased in hepatobiliary disease, is also increased in a variety of neoplastic conditions in dogs, including appendicular osteosarcoma, and has also been reported to be increased in dogs with spirocercosis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum ALP activity as a marker for malignant transformation of esophageal nodules in S. lupi‐infected dogs.

Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis from 1991 to 2008 were reviewed, and serum ALP activity determined at presentation was compared between dogs with nonneoplastic and neoplastic nodules. Owing to use of multiple analyzers, ratios of ALP activity to the upper reference interval for ALP were calculated and compared.

Results: Median ALP activity ratios were 0.65 (0.07–4.00) and 0.86 (0.10–3.40) for dogs with nonneoplastic (n=88) and neoplastic (n=32) nodules, respectively, with no significant difference (P=.18) and substantial overlap between groups. Tumors included osteosarcoma (15 dogs), fibrosarcoma (15 dogs), and anaplastic sarcoma (2 dogs); there was no difference in ALP activity between the dogs with osteosarcoma and fibrosarcoma.

Conclusion: ALP is a poor marker of malignant transformation in canine spirocercosis.
Treatment of Aseptic Dogs with Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis with Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid: A Prospective Blinded Study
Authors: Unterer S. , Strohmeyer K. , Kruse B.D. , Sauter‐Louis C. , Hartmann K.
Published: July 2011

Background:Antibiotics generally are recommended to treat hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). Inappropriate use of antibiotics may promote risk of antimicrobial resistance and unnecessary adverse drug reactions. The necessity of antimicrobial therapy in dogs with HGE has not been demonstrated.

Objective:The purpose of this prospective, placebo‐controlled, blinded study was to evaluate whether treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid improves the clinical course and outcome of HGE in dogs that show no signs of sepsis.

Animals:The study included 60 dogs diagnosed with HGE between 2007 and 2009 at the Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich, Germany. The inclusion criterion was the presence of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea (<3 days). Dogs pretreated with antibiotics, with signs of sepsis, or diagnosed with any disease known to cause bloody diarrhea were excluded from the study.

Methods:Patients were randomly divided into treatment (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for 7 days) and placebo groups. To evaluate treatment efficacy, severity of clinical signs (based on a newly developed HGE index), duration of hospitalization, and mortality rate were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:Fifty‐three of 60 dogs completed the study. No significant difference between treatment groups concerning mortality rate, dropout rate, duration of hospitalization, or severity of clinical signs, either on any individual day or over the course of disease, was observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:In some dogs with HGE that show no signs of sepsis, antibiotics may not change the case outcome or time to recovery.
Near Constant Loss Dielectric Response in 2Bi2O3–B2O3 Glasses
Authors: Paramesh Gadige , Varma Kalidindi B. R.
Published: July 2011

Electrical conduction and relaxation phenomena in bismuth borate glasses in the composition 2Bi2O3–B2O3 (Bi4B2O9) were investigated. Dielectric studies carried out on these glasses revealed near constant loss response in the 1 kHz–1 MHz frequency range at moderately high temperatures (300–450 K) associated with relatively low loss (tan δ = 0.006) and high dielectric constant (εr′ = 37) at 1 kHz, 300 K. The variation in AC conductivity with temperature at different frequencies showed a cross over from near constant loss response characterized by local ion vibration within the potential well to universal Jonscher's power law dependence triggered by ion hopping between potential wells or cages. Thermal activation energy for single potential well was found to be 0.48 ± 0.05 eV from cross over points. Ionic conduction and relaxation processes were rationalized by modulus formalism. The promising dielectric properties (relatively high εr′ and low tan δ) of the present glasses were attributed to high density (93% of its crystalline counterpart), high polarizability, and low mobility associated with heavy metal cations, Bi3+.
Effects of flunixin meglumine on the recovery of ischaemic equine colonic mucosain vitro
Authors: MORTON A. J. , GROSCHE A. , MATYJASZEK S. A. , POLYAK M. M. R. , FREEMAN D. E.
Published: July 2011

Reasons for performing study:The effects of prostaglandins and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on repair of equine intestinal mucosa are important since most horses with gastrointestinal diseases are routinely treated with NSAIDs, such as flunixin meglumine (FM), and these drugs can be toxic to equine gastrointestinal mucosa.

Hypothesis:Flunixin meglumine would not affect recovery of equine colonic mucosain vitro, 18 h after a reversible ischaemic injury.

Methods:In 14 anaesthetised horses, a segment of pelvic flexure was subjected to 2 h of ischaemia and the horses were allowed to recover for 18 h. Seven horses received normal saline and 7 received FM, 1.1 mg/kg bwt i.v., at the end of ischaemia and 12 h later. Colonic mucosa was harvested during a second anaesthesia, 18 h after recovery from ischaemia and then horses were subjected to euthanasia. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and transepithelial flux of tritiated mannitol were used to measure mucosal permeability during 4 h of incubation in Ussing chambers, with the followingin vitrotreatments: 1) no addition, 2) FM 14 µmol/l as powder, 3) FM 14 µmol/l in injectable form and 4) diluent for injectable FM. Histomorphological changes were assessed by light microscopy.

Results:There were no significant differences in any of the measurements between saline and FM treated horses. The mucosal height of the ischaemic FM tissues incubated in diluent was significantly decreased compared to the nonischaemic tissues.

Conclusions:Flunixin meglumine did not adversely affect barrier integrity in ischaemic equine colonic mucosa.
Investigation of the effect of pasture and stable management on large intestinal motility in the horse, measured using transcutaneous ultrasonography
Authors: WILLIAMS S. , TUCKER C. A. , GREEN M. J. , FREEMAN S. L.
Published: July 2011

Reason for performing study:Management regimes have been identified as risk factors for equine intestinal motility disorders. However, it is not known how management factors affect gastrointestinal motility.

Hypothesis:Large intestinal motility was similar in horses on a stabled and a pastured management regime.

Objective:To investigate the effect of 2 different management regimes on large intestinal motility assessed with ultrasonography.

Methods:A within‐subjects crossover design was used to compare large intestinal motility between a stabled and a pastured regime in 16 working horses.Group Awas managed under a standardised stabled regime throughout the study.Group Bwas maintained at pasture for the first monitoring phase and then transferred to the stabled regime for the second monitoring phase. Motility of the caecum, sternal flexure and aboral left ventral colon (contractions/min) was measured twice daily for 2 consecutive days using transcutaneous ultrasonography. Mean values for each management regime were pooled for analysis using multilevel statistical modelling.

Results:Significant variables identified by the model included: time of day, region of intestine, management regime, and combination of region of intestine and management regime. Motility assessed by ultrasound was significantly lower in stabled horses compared to pasture‐kept horses. Intestinal motility for caecum was 1.7 ± 0.3 contractions/min (pastured = 2.0, stabled = 1.4), sternal flexure was 1.6 ± 0.2 contractions/min (mean (pastured = 1.7, stabled = 1.5), and left ventral colon was 0.8 ± 0.3 contractions/min (pastured = 1.0, stabled = 0.7).

Conclusions:The null hypothesis was disproven. Large intestinal motility assessed by ultrasound was significantly reduced in stabled horses compared to pastured horses. This effect was most marked in the aboral left ventral colon.

Potential relevance:This study has demonstrated a possible mechanism for the increased risk of large intestinal impactions in stabled horses.
Surgical drainage and post operative lavage of large abdominal abscesses in six mature horses
Authors: MAIR T. S. , SHERLOCK C. E.
Published: July 2011

Six mature horses with large abdominal abscesses (defined as an abscess >15–20 cm in at least one dimension) were treated by surgical drainage and post operative lavage. The abscess was associated with previous intestinal surgery in one horse, and withStreptococcus equispp.equiinfection in the other 5. A Foley catheter was used to drain and lavage the abscess in all cases. The abscess was accessed by a ventral midline laparotomy in 5 cases and by standing flank laparoscopy in one. Two horses were subjected to euthanasia within 7 days due to persistent or recurrent colic. The other 4 horses survived. Lavage of the abscess was continued for a median time of 19 days. Antibacterial therapy was continued until the plasma fibrinogen concentration was normal (median 47 days). Follow‐up information was obtained at a median of 1.8 years. All 4 horses were alive at the time of follow‐up; 2 horses had suffered one or more bouts of colic that had responded to medical treatment.
Application of the lactose13C‐ureide breath test for measurement of equine orocaecal transit time
Authors: SUTTON D. G. M. , PRESTON T. , LOVE S.
Published: July 2011

Reasons for performing study:Application of the lactose13C‐ureide breath test (LUBT) for measurement of equine orocaecal transit time (OCTT) has not been reported previously. The ability to assess OCTT noninvasively, and to investigate its relationship to gastric emptying rate and small intestinal transit, would be of both clinical and research value.

Objectives:1) Assessment of the LUBT in healthy horses, with comparison of induced versus noninduced test protocols. 2) Application of a new dual stable isotope breath test (lactose13C‐ureide and13C‐octanoic acid) for gastrointestinal transit measurement.

Hypothesis:The LUBT will allow quantification of equine OCTT, and test efficacy will be enhanced by prior administration of lactose12C‐ureide as shownin vitro. The dual tracer breath test will permit simultaneous measurement of gastric emptying, OCTT and small bowel transit times.

Methods:Induced and noninduced LUBTs were performed in 3 healthy mature horses in randomised order using a standard test meal and protocol. Combined LUBT and13C‐octanoic acid breath tests (13C‐OABT) were performed in 4 individuals on 4 occasions at weekly intervals. Expiratory isotopic recovery was modelled to allow generation of gastric emptying data, small bowel transit times and caecal transit parameters.

Results:The induction protocol for the LUBT increased the rate and magnitude of expiratory13CO2significantly. Mean ± s.d. values for OCTT, caecal lag phase (tlag) and caecal t1/2using the induced LUBT were 3.24 ± 0.65 h, 5.62 ± 1.22 h and 6.31 ± 1.21 h, respectively. Dual stable isotope tests resulted in the production of 2 discrete peaks in expiratory13CO2in 15/16 tests from which gastric t1/2, OCTT and small bowel transit (SBT) parameters could be calculated.

Conclusions:The induced LUBT provides a reliable noninvasive measure of equine OCTT and can be paired with the13C‐OABT to provide further information about small intestinal motility.
Acute inhibition of signalling phenotype of spinal GABAergic neurons by tumour necrosis factor‐α
Authors: Zhang Haijun , Dougherty Patrick M.
Published: July 2011

Non‐technical summary  Spinal application of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) is shown to suppress inhibitory synaptic transmission and enhance excitatory synaptic transmission in spinal dorsal horn, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully known. We show that acute application of TNFα inhibits the excitability of a subset of spinal GABAergic neurons through TNF receptor 1 probably by suppressing hyperpolarization‐activated cation currents (Ih) through the activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase within these neurons. These results suggest a novel cellular mechanism of how TNFα modulates spinal synaptic transmission which may be involved in the development of pain.
Far-Field Radiation of Tip Aerodynamic Sound Sources in Axial Fans
Fitted With Passive Noise Control Features
Authors: Bianchi Stefano , Corsini Alessandro , Rispoli Franco , Sheard Anthony G.
Published: July 2011

This study investigates the causal relationship between flow aerodynamics and radiated noise in low-speed axial fans. Using blades with three distinctive tip configurations, including two that were developed with a view to reducing noise emissions, the pressure fluctuations of the exhaust flow in the near field are correlated with the noise measured in the far field in an anechoic chamber. By varying the far-field microphone’s azimuthal position, the study investigates the source signatures and directivity of noise sources distributed along the blade span. Several distinctive features in the noise directivity pattern are identified and correlated with the noise sources of aerodynamic origin dissected along the blade span. Utilizing the directional far-field autospectra of the three blade configurations in combination with the near-field/far-field cross-spectra, the emission characteristics of the aerodynamic sources are analyzed and their roles with respect to the overall acoustic signature of the fan are discussed. It is apparent that the ability to decompose the output of the aerodynamic noise sources in the near field is a useful tool in designing fans to achieve desirable low-noise targets. The results confirm that the tip-flow appendages influence the noise radiation pattern for the investigated family of fans. These phenomena are linked with the control of aerodynamic noise sources related to the tip-leakage vortex and the hub corner separation.
Influence of Tire Damping on Actively Controlled Quarter-Car Suspensions
Authors: Akçay Hüseyin , Türkay Semiha
Published: July 2011

In this note, a comprehensive analysis of tire damping effect on H2-optimal, multi-objective, and robust control of quarter-car suspensions excited by random road disturbances is provided. First, H2-optimal and convex multi-objective control problems are formulated and the latter problem is solved using linear matrix inequalities. Next, the multi-objective control problem is reformulated as a nonconvex and nonsmooth optimization problem with controller order restricted to be less than or equal to the quarter-car model order. For a range of orders, controllers are synthesized by using the HIFOO toolbox. Parametric studies of this note show that the effect of tire damping on the closed-loop performance of actively controlled suspension systems can be significant. Lastly, a robust controller with guaranteed performance over all polytopic suspension models with tire damping coefficient confined to a prescribed interval is synthesized.
An Enhanced Greitzer Compressor Model Including Pipeline Dynamics and Surge
Authors: Yoon Se Young , Lin Zongli , Goyne Christopher , Allaire Paul E.
Published: July 2011

The modeling of a centrifugal compressor system with exhaust and plenum piping acoustics is presented in this paper. For an experimental centrifugal compressor test rig with modular inlet and exhaust piping, a mathematical model of the system dynamics is derived based on the Greitzer compression system model. In order to include the dynamics of the piping acoustics, a transmission line model is added to the original compressor equations and different compressor-piping configurations were tested. The resulting mathematical representations of the compression system dynamics are compared with the measured response of the experimental setup. Employing active magnetic bearings to perturb the axial impeller tip clearance of the compressor, the compression system is excited over a wide frequency range and the input-output response from the impeller tip clearance to the plenum pressure rise is analyzed. Additionally, the simulated surge oscillations are compared with the measured response in the surge condition. A good agreement is observed between the experimental and theoretical frequency responses of from the tip clearance to the output pressure, both in stable operation and during surge.
Semi‐automatic delineation using weighted CT‐MRI registered images for radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Fitton I. , Cornelissen S. A. P. , Duppen J. C. , Steenbakkers R. J. H. M. , Peeters S. T. H. , Hoebers F. J. P. , Kaanders J. H. A. M. , Nowak P. J. C. M. , Rasch C. R. N. , van Herk M.
Published: July 2011

Purpose: To develop a delineation tool that refines physician‐drawn contours of the gross tumor volume (GTV) in nasopharynx cancer, using combined pixel value information from x‐ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during delineation.Methods: Operator‐guided delineation assisted by a so‐called “snake” algorithm was applied on weighted CT‐MRI registered images. The physician delineates a rough tumor contour that is continuously adjusted by the snake algorithm using the underlying image characteristics. The algorithm was evaluated on five nasopharyngeal cancer patients. Different linear weightings CT and MRI were tested as input for the snake algorithm and compared according to contrast and tumor to noise ratio (TNR). The semi‐automatic delineation was compared with manual contouring by seven experienced radiation oncologists.Results: A good compromise for TNR and contrast was obtained by weighing CT twice as strong as MRI. The new algorithm did not notably reduce interobserver variability, it did however, reduce the average delineation time by 6 min per case.Conclusions: The authors developed a user‐driven tool for delineation and correction based a snake algorithm and registered weighted CT image and MRI. The algorithm adds morphological information from CT during the delineation on MRI and accelerates the delineation task.
A Cell-Based High-Content Screening Assay Reveals Activators and Inhibitors of Cancer Cell Invasion
Authors: Quintavalle Manuela , Elia Leonardo , Price Jeffrey H. , Heynen-Genel Susanne , Courtneidge Sara A.
Published: July 2011

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 is identified as an anticancer target because its activity promotes invasiveness of cancer cells.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 26 July 2011
Authors: Courtneidge Sara A. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: July 2011

A cell-based, high-throughput screen identifies activators and inhibitors of invadopodia formation.
Activating β-Catenin with NCAM
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: July 2011

An adhesion molecule may activate β-catenin signaling through a noncanonical pathway to promote cancer cell proliferation.
Insight into the Sodium Channel
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2011

The crystal structure of a voltage-gated sodium channel provides insight into its voltage-dependent gating, selectivity for sodium, and blockade by drugs.
Built to Invade
Authors: Vinson Valda
Published: July 2011

The structure of a eukaryotic pathogen adhesin bound to its receptor provides a basis for design of therapeutics.
Susceptibility of Pneumocystis to Echinocandins in Suspension and Biofilm Cultures
Authors: Cushion Melanie T. , Collins Margaret S.
Published: July 2011

The targeted inhibition of cyst but not trophic development by anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin on
Pneumocystis murina
and
Pneumocystis carinii
in rodent models of
Pneumocystis carinii
pneumonia (PCP) was recently reported by us (M. T. Cushion et al., PLoS One 5:e8524, 2010). To better understand the effects of echinocandins on
P. carinii
, the same three compounds were evaluated in standard suspension and biofilm cultures supplemented with various concentrations of sera using the measurement of ATP as the indicator. In suspension cultures with 1 and 5% serum, anidulafungin was the most active compound but 10 and 20% serum abrogated the efficacy of all three echinocandins. Established biofilm cultures that included both the nonadherent and adherent phases were more resistant to micafungin than caspofungin regardless of serum concentration, while anidulafungin had significant activity at 1 and 5% serum concentrations. Nascent biofilms were mostly affected by anidulafungin in 1 and 5% serum, but none of the compounds showed significant activity in 20% serum. We show for the first time that (i) echinocandins differ in their abilities to deplete the ATP of
Pneumocystis
in biofilms and in suspension cultures, (ii) this variability mostly reflected the reported efficacies in animal models of infection, and (iii) high serum levels decreased the anti-
Pneumocystis
activities of the echinocandins in both
in vitro
systems.
Characterizing Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Strains with Various Mechanisms of Daptomycin Resistance Developed in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model
Authors: Steed Molly E. , Vidaillac Celine , Rose Warren E. , Winterfield Patricia , Kaatz Glenn W. , Rybak Michael J.
Published: July 2011

Two daptomycin (DAP) regimens were evaluated in a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model, and the mutants recovered were examined for changes in phenotypic characteristics. Three
Enterococcus faecium
strains (vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus
[VRE] ATCC 51559, VRE 12311, and VRE SF 12047) were utilized in a 7-day, 1-compartment
in vitro
PK/PD model. The simulated dosing regimens were DAP at 6 mg/kg/day (free
C
max
[
fC
max
] = 7.9 μg/ml, half-life [
t
1/2
] = 8 h) and DAP at 10 mg/kg/day (
fC
max
= 13.17 μg/ml,
t
1/2
= 8 h). Samples were plated daily on Mueller-Hinton agar containing DAP at 16 μg/ml and 50 mg/liter Ca
2+
to assess the emergence of DAP resistance. For each strain, the mutant with the highest DAP MIC was then evaluated for changes in relative surface charge, cell wall thickness, and cytoplasmic membrane depolarization induced by DAP. The initial DAP MICs were 4 μg/ml for all 3 strains. A dose-dependent response and regrowth were observed for DAP 6 mg/kg/day and DAP 10 mg/kg/day against all 3 strains. Mutants of VRE ATCC 51559 (MIC = 128 and 64 μg/ml) and VRE 12311 (MIC = 256 and 32 μg/ml) were recovered from the DAP 6 mg and DAP 10 mg regimen, respectively. For VRE SF 12047, a mutant (MIC = 64 μg/ml) was recovered from the DAP 6 mg model. All mutants displayed an increase in relative surface charge compared to those of their respective parent strains. The DAP-resistant mutants displayed a 43 to 58% increase in cell wall thickness (
P
< 0.0001), while DAP membrane depolarization decreased by 53 to 65% compared to that of the susceptible strains. VRE with DAP resistance displayed increased surface charge, increased cell wall thickness, and decreased depolarization induced by DAP, consistent with previous observations in
Staphylococcus aureus
with reduced DAP susceptibility. Further characterization of DAP-resistant VRE is warranted.
Genetic Diversity of Tn
916
-Related Transposons among Drug-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates Colonizing Healthy Children in Venezuela
Authors: Quintero Beatríz , Araque María , van der Gaast-de Jongh Christa , Hermans Peter W. M.
Published: July 2011

Among a collection of 48 multidrug-resistant pneumococcal strains colonizing healthy children in a small municipality of Mérida, Venezuela, we identified sequence types (STs) related to a variety of internationally spreading drug-resistant clones, as well as ST135, thus far isolated only in Europe. The clones invariably harbored one or more of the Tn
916
-related transposons Tn
3872
, Tn
5253
, Tn
6002
, Tn
2009
, and Tn
2010
. Finally, our data suggest both structural rearrangements in certain transposons and occurrence of novel transposable elements.