bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homogeneity of Poly(Propylene) and Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Fibers
Authors: Gregor-Svetec Diana , Sfiligoj-Smole Majda
Published: March 2010

Diffuse small-angle X-ray scattering is caused by inhomogeneity in the electron density distribution of a material and is often attributed to the existence of microvoids in polymers. The content, dimensions and relative surfaces of the microvoid system can be determined thereby. The dimensions of the coherently scattering domains and the sizes of the inhomogeneities are related by the form, or shape factor ( f). Changes in this factor highlight structural changes in polymer fibers caused by different treatments. In the present paper the microvoid system of differently treated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(propylene) (PP) fibers were studied after subjugation to different treatments. PP fibers were spun from two different polymers and drawn at different temperatures, whereas PET fibers were treated in different media. The form factors found for PET and PP fibers were rather high. For PP fibers, drawn at different temperatures and draw ratios, the form factors were between 2 and 5. Untreated PET samples had form factors of about 6. A supercritical fluid treatment could increase the form factor up to 8. Conventional water dyeing and hot air treatments caused considerable changes in the microvoid system and increased the form factor to values even larger than 8.
Commuting Times: Is There Any Penalty for Immigrants?
Authors: Blázquez Maite , Llano Carlos , Moral Julian
Published: March 2010

The assimilation of immigrants and their impact on the labour market of the host country have become a growing subject of study in recent literature. This is a topic of particular interest in countries like Spain, where immigration has become one of the main challenges of government policy in recent years. The Madrid region has experienced one of the highest increases in the number of foreign residents between 1996 and 2007. The intensity of this inflow in such a short period of time has led to restrictions on the ability of the residential and labour market to absorb all these newcomers, limiting their choice set of available dwellings and jobs. In this paper the spatial mismatch hypothesis for the Madrid region is tested by exploring the relationship between immigrants’ residential location and employment accessibility as measured by commuting times. The findings reveal that immigrants from eastern Europe, Africa, Ecuador and Colombia are significantly more likely to experience higher commuting times when compared with natives. These differences in commuting times can be attributed to different preferences regarding dwelling and employment optimal decisions. However, they could also be seen as symptoms of residential segregation and the difficulties in employment accessibility experienced by immigrant groups.
Crashes in Real Estate Prices: Causes and Predictability
Authors: Qin Xiao
Published: March 2010

Large swings in real estate prices that end in devastating crashes have been witnessed by many countries in the past two decades. To curtail the damage of these crashes, it is imperative that we understand their causes. This study proposes a model that associates market crashes with periodically collapsing speculative bubbles. Unlike the conventional literature, the identification of the bubble does not rely on assumptions about fundamentals, but on some ‘fingerprints’ of speculation. These fingerprints, theoretically, may also serve as predictors of market crashes. In practice, however, a number of factors may hinder the accuracy of the prediction.
Visibilities and Invisibilities in Urban Development: Small Business Communities and the London Olympics 2012
Authors: Raco Mike , Tunney Emma
Published: March 2010

The principal stated rationale for bringing the 2012 Olympic Games to London was that it represented a once in a generation opportunity to regenerate the city’s East End. And yet, its arrival opens up questions over how problem places within cities are characterised and how selective and power-infused visualisations shape the form and character of urban policy interventions. This paper draws on research conducted on a community of over 200 small businesses that existed on the proposed Olympic Village site in east London before they were evicted in the summer of 2007. It documents the effects of the regeneration on their competitiveness and explores the highly circumscribed politics of contestation that emerged. Collectively, it argues that there should be a greater policy and academic concern with the less visible and ‘spectacular’ elements of cities and communities who cannot easily be seen, but are vital to urban vibrancy, diversity and sustainability.
“A Monument to Commercial Isolation”: Merchants and the Economic Decline of Post- Civil War New Orleans
Authors: Marler Scott P.
Published: March 2010

This article describes the rapid economic decline of New Orleans after the Civil War and examines some of the reasons for it. It focuses on the elite merchant community of New Orleans, which had been the Old South’s primary urban commercial and financial center. The article details how complacent attitudes among these long-powerful commodities merchants contributed to a variety of poor decisions and inadequate responses to radically changed postwar conditions. In addition, the wartime devastation of the city’s banking sector, along with broad structural changes to postemancipation southern agriculture and the reorientation of intra- and interregional trade patterns, are all shown to have quickly combined to push the former first-rank American city down onto the dependent lower rungs of the American urban system during the decades immediately following the Civil War.
A behavioural Bayes approach to the determination of sample size for clinical trials considering efficacy and safety: imbalanced sample size in treatment groups
Authors: Kikuchi Takashi , Gittins John
Published: March 2010

The behavioural Bayes approach to sample size determination for clinical trials assumes that the number of subsequent patients switching to a new drug from the current drug depends on the strength of the evidence for efficacy and safety that was observed in the clinical trials. The optimal sample size is the one which maximises the expected net benefit of the trial. The approach has been developed in a series of papers by Pezeshk and the present authors (Gittins JC, Pezeshk H. A behavioral Bayes method for determining the size of a clinical trial. Drug Information Journal 2000; 34: 355—63; Gittins JC, Pezeshk H. How Large should a clinical trial be? The Statistician 2000; 49(2): 177—87; Gittins JC, Pezeshk H. A decision theoretic approach to sample size determination in clinical trials. Journal of Biopharmaceutical Statistics 2002; 12(4): 535—51; Gittins JC, Pezeshk H. A fully Bayesian approach to calculating sample sizes for clinical trials with binary responses. Drug Information Journal 2002; 36: 143—50; Kikuchi T, Pezeshk H, Gittins J. A Bayesian cost-benefit approach to the determination of sample size in clinical trials. Statistics in Medicine 2008; 27(1): 68—82; Kikuchi T, Gittins J. A behavioral Bayes method to determine the sample size of a clinical trial considering efficacy and safety. Statistics in Medicine 2009; 28(18): 2293—306; Kikuchi T, Gittins J. A Bayesian procedure for cost-benefit evaluation of a new drug in multi-national clinical trials. Statistics in Medicine 2009 (Submitted)). The purpose of this article is to provide a rationale for experimental designs which allocate more patients to the new treatment than to the control group. The model uses a logistic weight function, including an interaction term linking efficacy and safety, which determines the number of patients choosing the new drug, and hence the resulting benefit. A Monte Carlo simulation is employed for the calculation. Having a larger group of patients on the new drug in general makes it easier to recruit patients to the trial and may also be ethically desirable. Our results show that this can be done with very little if any reduction in expected net benefit.
The Efficacy of a Police-Advocacy Intervention for Victims of Domestic Violence: 12 Month Follow-Up Data
Authors: Stover Carla Smith , Berkman Miriam , Desai Rani , Marans Steven
Published: March 2010

The Domestic Violence Home Visit Intervention (DVHVI) provides advocate/police officer team home visits following a domestic dispute. Women (52 DVHVI and 55 controls) were interviewed at 1, 6, and 12 months following a police reported domestic incident to assess repeat violence, service utilization, and symptoms. Women who received the DVHVI were more satisfied with the police and likely to call them to report a nonphysical domestic dispute in the 12 months following the initial incident than women in the comparison group. DVHVI participants were significantly more likely to use court-based services and seek mental health treatment for their children.
Evaluator Responsiveness to Stakeholders
Authors: Azzam Tarek
Published: March 2010

A simulation study was conducted in an attempt to examine how evaluators modify their evaluation design in response to differing stakeholder groups. In this study, evaluators were provided with a fictitious description of a school-based program. They were then asked to design an evaluation of the program. After the evaluation design decisions were made, evaluators were presented with feedback from three differing stakeholder groups (i.e., decision maker, implementer, recipient) either endorsing or rejecting the evaluation design. Evaluators were then given the opportunity to modify (or not modify) their original design in response to stakeholder feedback. The findings revealed that the more political power or influence stakeholder groups held over evaluation logistical factors (i.e., funding, data access), the more evaluators were willing to modify their design choices to accommodate perceived stakeholder concerns. These design modifications were typically implemented to ensure data access, reduce stakeholder resistance, and increase stakeholder buy-in.
Anger management groups for adolescents: A mixed-methods study of efficacy and treatment preferences
Authors: Down Richard , Willner Paul , Watts Louise , Griffiths Jenny
Published: March 2010

We compared the efficacy of, and adolescents’ preferences for, a Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) and Personal Development (PD) Anger Management (AM) group. The CBT group aimed to help adolescents develop skills to manage predominantly reactive aggression. The PD group aimed to enhance motivation to develop less aggressive identities with less use of proactive aggression. Eighteen adolescents were randomly allocated to a 10-session CBT or PD AM Group; seven additional adolescents formed a control group. They completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires to assess anger expression and control, use of AM coping skills (also completed by carers) and self-image. Participants were also interviewed pre- and post-intervention; transcripts were subjected to Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Both treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in anger coping and self-esteem, relative to the control group. Participants’ age was significantly correlated with self-image and anger control outcomes in the CBT group. Qualitative analysis identified factors associated with improved outcomes, particularly regarding participants’ age, motivation and readiness to change, engagement in the therapeutic process, group dynamics and emotional expressiveness. Our ability to interpret data clinically was enhanced by the use of a mixed quantitative-qualitative methodology. The results help us to better match interventions to clients.
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system gene polymorphisms in coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients
Authors: Ragia Georgia , Nikolaidis Eleftherios , Tavridou Anna , Arvanitidis Kostas I , Kanoni Stavroula , Dedoussis George V , Bougioukas George , Manolopoulos Vangelis G
Published: March 2010

Introduction. Candidates for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) represent a group of patients with well documented, severe coronary artery disease (CAD). Genetic polymorphisms of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) components have been associated with CAD. We examined the association of polymorphisms of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensinogen (AGT), and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 receptor) with severe CAD in CABG patients.

Materials and methods. One hundred and fifty-four CABG patients and 155 non-CAD controls were included in the study. Established PCR methods were used for genotyping of AGT M235T, AGT T174M, AT1 receptor A1166C, and ACE I/D polymorphisms. Cumulative effect of analysed polymorphisms was assessed by calculation of each individual’s RAAS gene score (addition of 0.5 points for each variant allele and then calculating the sum for all four polymorphisms).

Results. No association between AGT M235T, AGT T174M, ACE I/D and AT1 receptor A1166C polymorphisms and CAD was observed. Within CABG patients, the frequency of homozygous AGT 235TT genotype was higher in hypertensive compared to normotensive CABG patients (21.7% vs. 6.3%, p=0.03). RAAS gene score did not differ between CABG patients and non-CAD controls.

Conclusions. There is no association of the analysed RAAS polymorphisms with severe CAD in CABG patients. However, within these patients, an association was found between AGT 235TT genotype and hypertension.
“Take Control or Lean Back?”
Authors: Jacobs Gaby
Published: March 2010

During the past few decades, health promotion has increasingly focused on the empowerment of deprived communities and is shifting from a top—down approach to a participatory practice, aimed at helping people to gain control over their lives and health. Previous research shows that this shift is not without problems. In the Netherlands, an action learning program on empowerment was developed to help health promotion practitioners in this transition. Twenty-four practitioners from different fields of health promotion took part in a 6-month program. Qualitative data were collected from different sources and methods and were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The findings threw light on a core dilemma in health promotion practice and several barriers to bringing empowerment into practice, both on a personal level and in relationship to the community and the wider institutional context. The implications of this study for the empowerment ethos of health promotion and its feasibility within the current West European policy context are discussed.
Conditional TPM3-ALK and NPM-ALK transgenic mice develop reversible ALK-positive early B-cell lymphoma/leukemia
Authors: Giuriato Sylvie , Foisseau Marianne , Dejean Emilie , Felsher Dean W. , Al Saati Talal , Demur Cécile , Ragab Ashraf , Kruczynski Anna , Schiff Claudine , Delsol Georges , Meggetto Fabienne
Published: March 2010

NPM-ALK (nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase) and TPM3-ALK (nonmuscular tropomyosin 3-anaplastic lymphoma kinase) are oncogenic tyrosine kinases implicated in the pathogenesis of human ALK-positive lymphoma. We report here the development of novel conditional mouse models for ALK-induced lymphomagenesis, with the use of the tetracycline regulatory system under the control of the EμSRα enhancer/promoter. The expression of either oncogene resulted in the arrest of the differentiation of early B cells and lymphomagenesis. We also observed the development of skin keratoacanthoma lesions, probably because of aberrant ALK expression in keratinocytes. The inactivation of the ALK oncogene on doxycycline treatment was sufficient to induce sustained regression of both hematopoietic tumors and skin disease. Importantly, treatment with the specific ALK inhibitor (PF-2341066) also reversed the pathologic states, showing the value of these mouse models for the validation of ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Thus, our results show (1) that NPM-ALK and TPM3-ALK oncogenes are sufficient for lymphoma/leukemia development and required for tumor maintenance, hence validating ALK as potentially effective therapeutic target; and (2) for the first time, in vivo, the equal tumorigenic potential of the NPM-ALK and TPM3-ALK oncogenic tyrosine kinases. Our models offer a new tool to investigate in vivo the molecular mechanisms associated with ALK-induced lymphoproliferative disorders.
How I use hydroxyurea to treat young patients with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Ware Russell E.
Published: March 2010

Hydroxyurea has many characteristics of an ideal drug for sickle cell anemia (SCA) and provides therapeutic benefit through multiple mechanisms of action. Over the past 25 years, substantial experience has accumulated regarding its safety and efficacy for patients with SCA. Early proof-of-principle studies were followed by prospective phase 1/2 trials demonstrating efficacy in affected adults, then adolescents and children, and more recently infants and toddlers. The phase 3 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute–sponsored Multicenter Study of Hydroxyurea trial proved clinical efficacy for preventing acute vaso-occlusive events in severely affected adults. Based on this cumulative experience, hydroxyurea has emerged as an important therapeutic option for children and adolescents with recurrent vaso-occlusive events; recent evidence documents sustained long-term benefits with prevention or reversal of chronic organ damage. Despite abundant evidence for its efficacy, however, hydroxyurea has not yet translated into effective therapy for SCA. Because many healthcare providers have inadequate knowledge about hydroxyurea, patients and families are not offered treatment or decline because of unrealistic fears. Limited support for hydroxyurea by lay organizations and inconsistent medical delivery systems also contribute to underuse. Although questions remain regarding its long-term risks and benefits, current evidence suggests that many young patients with SCA should receive hydroxyurea treatment.
Elevated brain natriuretic peptide predicts mortality in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Corte T.J. , Wort S.J. , Gatzoulis M.A. , Engel R. , Giannakoulas G. , Macdonald P.M. , Wells A.U.
Published: March 2010

Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance portends a poor prognosis across interstitial lung disease (ILD), irrespective of the histospecific diagnosis. Currently, no noninvasive surrogate prognostic marker exists. We explore the prognostic value of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and echocardiography across ILD.

ILD patients with BNP concentrations performed during 2005–2007 were reviewed (n = 90). Echocardiography tapes were reviewed by a cardiologist blinded to other results. Outcome was evaluated for survival against BNP and echocardiograph parameters.A priorithreshold values and composite markers were evaluated against survival.

During follow-up (20±9 months) there were 28 deaths (31%). BNP correlated with right heart echocardiographic indices, including right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) (R2= 0.18, p = 0.0002) but not with parameters of left heart function. Nonsurvivors had higher BNP and RVSP levels than survivors. BNP ≥20 pmol·L−1(hazard ratio (HR) 2.93, 95% CI 1.28–6.73; p = 0.01) and moderate–severe pulmonary hypertension (HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.15–5.57; p = 0.02) were associated with increased mortality, independent of age, sex and pulmonary function. Patients with BNP ≥20 pmol·L−1had a 14-fold increased mortality over those with BNP <4 pmol·L−1.

Increased BNP levels and/or echocardiographic markers of right ventricular dysfunction were associated with increased mortality across ILD. The link between vascular parameters and mortality supports the concept that pulmonary vascular disease contributes to the final common pathway seen across ILD.
Tetrahydrobiopterin and the regulation of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction
Authors: Francis B.N. , Wilkins M.R. , Zhao L.
Published: March 2010

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for nitric oxide synthases (NOS). This study investigated the effect of increasing BH4levels on hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV).

Sprague Dawley rats and hph-1 (BH4deficient) mice were given BH4before and during HPV in an isolated perfused lung preparation. BH4inhibited HPV in a concentration-dependent manner and increased NO metabolites in the perfusate. Bradykinin-induced reductions in HPV were blunted in hph-1 mice and pre-administration of BH4restored the response. The effect of BH4was attenuated byl-NAME (NOS inhibitor), PTIO (NO scavenger), and catalase (H2O2catalyser) administered prior to HPV but enhanced by MnTMPyP (superoxide dismutase mimetic). The effect of BH4on HPV was partially recapitulated by NH4, a stereoisomer that shares antioxidant properties with BH4but is not a NOS cofactor.

The bioavailability of BH4is an important determinant of the pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia. Its effects are mediatedvianitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and its antioxidant properties, and are attenuated by oxidant stress. Pharmacological administration of BH4may have therapeutic potential in pulmonary hypertension.
Adaptive evolution and inherent tolerance to extreme thermal environments
Authors: Cox Jennifer , Schubert Alyxandria M , Travisano Michael , Putonti Catherine
Published: March 2010

Background

When introduced to novel environments, the ability for a species to survive and rapidly proliferate corresponds with its adaptive potential. Of the many factors that can yield an environment inhospitable to foreign species, phenotypic response to variation in the thermal climate has been observed within a wide variety of species. Experimental evolution studies using bacteriophage model systems have been able to elucidate mutations, which may correspond with the ability of phage to survive modest increases/decreases in the temperature of their environment.

Results

Phage ΦX174 was subjected to both elevated (50°C) and extreme (70°C+) temperatures for anywhere from a few hours to days. While no decline in the phage's fitness was detected when it was exposed to 50°C for a few hours, more extreme temperatures significantly impaired the phage; isolates that survived these heat treatments included the acquisition of several mutations within structural genes. As was expected, long-term treatment of elevated and extreme temperatures, ranging from 50-75°C, reduced the survival rate even more. Isolates which survived the initial treatment at 70°C for 24 or 48 hours exhibited a significantly greater tolerance to subsequent heat treatments.

Conclusions

Using the model organism ΦX174, we have been able to study adaptive evolution on the molecular level under extreme thermal changes in the environment, which to-date had yet to be thoroughly examined. Under both acute and extended thermal selection, we were able to observe mutations that occurred in response to excessive external pressures independent of concurrently evolving hosts. Even though its host cannot tolerate extreme temperatures such as the ones tested here, this study confirms that ΦX174 is capable of survival.
Pre-hospital ECG for acute coronary syndrome in urban India: A cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Schulman-Marcus Joshua , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Gaziano Thomas A
Published: March 2010

Background

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in India have increased pre-hospital delay and low rates of thrombolytic reperfusion. Use of ECG could reduce pre-hospital delay among patients who first present to a general practitioner (GP). We assessed whether performing ECG on patients with acute chest pain would improve long-term outcomes and be cost-effective.

Methods

We created a Markov model of urban Indian patients presenting to a GP with acute chest pain to compare a GP's performing an ECG versus not performing one. Variables describing the accuracy of a GP's referral decision in chest pain and ACS, ACS treatment patterns, the effectiveness of thrombolytic reperfusion, and costs were derived from Indian data where available and other developed world studies. The model was used to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the intervention in 2007 US dollars per quality adjusted life years (QALY) gained.

Results

Under baseline assumptions, the ECG strategy cost an additional $12.65 per QALY gained compared to no ECG. Sensitivity analyses around the cost of the ECG, cost of thrombolytic, and referral accuracy of the GP yielded ICERs for the ECG strategy ranging between cost-saving and $1124/QALY. All results indicated the intervention is cost-effective under current World Health Organization recommendations.

Conclusions

While direct presentation to the hospital with acute chest pain is preferable, in urban Indian patients presenting first to a GP, an ECG performed by the GP is a cost-effective strategy to reduce disability and mortality. This strategy should be clinically studied and considered until improved emergency transport services are available.
Research protocol of the NeedYD-study (Needs in Young onset Dementia): a prospective cohort study on the needs and course of early onset dementia
Authors: van Vliet Deliane , Bakker Christian , Koopmans Raymond TCM , Vernooij-Dassen Myrra JFJ , Verhey Frans RJ , de Vugt Marjolein E
Published: March 2010

Background

Early onset dementia has serious consequences for patients and their family members. Although there has been growing attention for this patient group, health care services are still mainly targeted at the elderly. Specific knowledge of the needs of early onset dementia patients and their families is limited but necessary for the development of adequate health care services and specific guidelines. This research project is mainly targeted at delineating the course of early onset dementia, the functional characteristics and needs of early onset dementia patients and their caregivers, the risk factors for institutionalization and the interaction with the caring environment.

Methods/Design

The NeedYD-study (Needs in Young Onset Dementia) is a longitudinal observational study investigating early onset dementia patients and their caregivers (n = 217). Assessments are performed every six months over two years and consist of interviews and questionnaires with patients and caregivers. The main outcomes are (1) the needs of patients and caregivers, as measured by the Camberwell Assessment of Needs for the Elderly (CANE) and (2) neuropsychiatric symptoms, as measured by the NeuroPsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Qualitative analyses will be performed in order to obtain more in-depth information on the experiences of EOD patients and their family members. The results of this study will be compared with comparable data on late onset dementia from a historical cohort.

Discussion

The study protocol of the NeedYD-study is presented here. To our knowledge, this study is the first prospective cohort study in this research area. Although some limitations exist, these do not outweigh the strong points of this study design.
Factors associated with persistent hypertension after puerperium among women with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia in Mulago hospital, Uganda
Authors: Ndayambagye Emmanuel B , Nakalembe Miriam , Kaye Dan K
Published: March 2010

Background

Women with severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia are at risk of developing chronic hypertension in future. Chronic hypertension may manifest initially as persistent hypertension at the end of the puerperium. The objective was to determine the incidence and maternal biochemical, hematological and socio-demographic risk factors for persistent hypertension in patients with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study conducted from November 2008 to May 2009 at Mulago hospital labor ward and postnatal clinic. Participants were 200 women managed for pre-eclampsia/eclampsia and followed up to the end of the puerperium. Data was collected through using pre-coded interviewer-administered questionnaires, checking medical records and laboratory investigations. STATA (release 9) software was used for data analysis. At bivariate analysis, the relative risk of persistent hypertension was estimated at the 95% confidence level. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors that were independently associated with persistent hypertension were evaluated.

Results

Fifty four (27.7%) out of the total 195 women had persistent hypertension after puerperium. Serum creatinine and the age of the patient were the only factors associated with persistence of hypertension after puerperium.

Conclusion

Nearly every one in four mothers with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia are at risk of persistent hypertension after the puerperium. Serum creatinine, serum uric acid and participants' age were the only factors independently associated with persistence of hypertension after the puerperium.
Determinants of public trust in complementary and alternative medicine
Authors: van der Schee Evelien , Groenewegen Peter P
Published: March 2010

Background

In the Netherlands, public trust in conventional medicine is relatively high. There is reason to believe that public trust in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is rated lower. The aim of this study is to gain insight into public trust in CAM and the determinants that lie at the root of it. We hypothesized that public trust in CAM is related to (perceived) institutional guarantees, media information on CAM, information from people's social network, personal experiences, the role of general practitioners (GPs) and trust in conventional medicine.

Methods

A postal questionnaire on public trust in CAM was mailed to 1358 members of the Health Care Consumer Panel. 65% of the questionnaires were returned. Data were analysed using frequencies, ANOVA, post hoc testing and linear regression analyses.

Results

In the total sample, the level of public trust in CAM was a 5.05 on average on a scale of 1-10. 40.7% was CAM user (current or past) and displayed significantly higher levels of trust toward CAM than CAM non users. In the total sample, public trust in CAM was related to institutional guarantees, negative media information, positive and negative information reported by their social network and people's personal experiences with CAM. For non users, trust is mostly associated with institutional guarantees. For users, personal experiences are most important. For both users and non users, trust levels in CAM are affected by negative media information. Public trust in CAM is for CAM users related to positive information and for non users to negative information from their network.

Conclusions

In the Netherlands, CAM is trusted less than conventional medicine. The hypotheses on institutional guarantees, media information, information from the network and people's personal experiences are confirmed by our study for the total sample, CAM non users and users. The other hypotheses are rejected.
Dynamics of pfcrt alleles CVMNK and CVIET in chloroquine-treated Sudanese patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Gadalla Nahla B , Elzaki Salah Eldin , Mukhtar Ebtihal , Warhurst David C , El-Sayed Badria , Sutherland Colin J
Published: March 2010

Background

Parasite resistance to the anti-malarial drug chloroquine is common in eastern Sudan. Dynamic within-host changes in the relative abundance of both sensitive and resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites were examined in a cohort of chloroquine-treated patients presenting with uncomplicated falciparum malaria, using a novel allele-specific quantitative approach.

Methods

Treatment outcomes were determined for 93 patients of all ages in a per protocol cohort using a modified 14-day WHO protocol. Parasite DNA samples at days 0, 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 following treatment were analysed using real-time quantitative PCR methods that distinguished resistant and sensitive genotypes at amino acids 72 - 76 of the pfcrt locus.

Results

Chloroquine treatment was not efficacious, and of 93 assessable patients, only 10 individuals (10.7%; 95% C.I. 4.34 - 17.2%) enjoyed an adequate clinical and parasitological response. Resistant parasites with the haplotype CVIET at codons 72-76 of the pfcrt locus were dominant in the starting population. Chloroquine sensitive parasites with the haplotype CVMNK were detected in 19 individuals prior to treatment (20.43%; 95% C.I. 5.14 - 18.5%). In these patients, CQ treatment rapidly selected CVIET parasites, and this haplotype overwhelmingly dominated the parasite population in each individual by day 2 after treatment.

Conclusions

Such rapid intra-host selection of particular genotypes after the introduction of drug will cause frequent misidentification of parasite genotypes present in the starting population. This will have a potentially serious confounding effect on clinical trials which employ PCR-corrected estimates of treatment failure, as resistant parasites below the detection threshold in the pre-treatment sample can be erroneously classified as "new" infections during follow-up, over-estimating drug efficacy.
GCN5-dependent acetylation of HIV-1 integrase enhances viral integration
Authors: Terreni Mariaelena , Valentini Paola , Liverani Vania , Gutierrez Maria Ines , Di Primio Cristina , Di Fenza Armida , Tozzini Valentina , Allouch Awatef , Albanese Alberto , Giacca Mauro , Cereseto Anna
Published: March 2010

Background

An essential event during the replication cycle of HIV-1 is the integration of the reverse transcribed viral DNA into the host cellular genome. Our former report revealed that HIV-1 integrase (IN), the enzyme that catalyzes the integration reaction, is positively regulated by acetylation mediated by the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) p300.

Results

In this study we demonstrate that another cellular HAT, GCN5, acetylates IN leading to enhanced 3'-end processing and strand transfer activities. GCN5 participates in the integration step of HIV-1 replication cycle as demonstrated by the reduced infectivity, due to inefficient provirus formation, in GCN5 knockdown cells. Within the C-terminal domain of IN, four lysines (K258, K264, K266, and K273) are targeted by GCN5 acetylation, three of which (K264, K266, and K273) are also modified by p300. Replication analysis of HIV-1 clones carrying substitutions at the IN lysines acetylated by both GCN5 and p300, or exclusively by GCN5, demonstrated that these residues are required for efficient viral integration. In addition, a comparative analysis of the replication efficiencies of the IN triple- and quadruple-mutant viruses revealed that even though the lysines targeted by both GCN5 and p300 are required for efficient virus integration, the residue exclusively modified by GCN5 (K258) does not affect this process.

Conclusions

The results presented here further demonstrate the relevance of IN post-translational modification by acetylation, which results from the catalytic activities of multiple HATs during the viral replication cycle. Finally, this study contributes to clarifying the recent debate raised on the role of IN acetylated lysines during HIV-1 infection.
Rapid expression of transgenes driven by seed-specific constructs in leaf tissue: DHA production
Authors: Petrie James R , Shrestha Pushkar , Liu Qing , Mansour Maged P , Wood Craig C , Zhou Xue-Rong , Nichols Peter D , Green Allan G , Singh Surinder P
Published: March 2010

Background

Metabolic engineering of seed biosynthetic pathways to diversify and improve crop product quality is a highly active research area. The validation of genes driven by seed-specific promoters is time-consuming since the transformed plants must be grown to maturity before the gene function can be analysed.

Results

In this study we demonstrate that genes driven by seed-specific promoters contained within complex constructs can be transiently-expressed in the Nicotiana benthamiana leaf-assay system by co-infiltrating the Arabidopsis thaliana LEAFY COTYLEDON2 (LEC2) gene. A real-world case study is described in which we first assembled an efficient transgenic DHA synthesis pathway using a traditional N. benthamiana Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) 35S-driven leaf assay before using the LEC2-extended assay to rapidly validate a complex seed-specific construct containing the same genes before stable transformation in Arabidopsis.

Conclusions

The LEC2-extended N. benthamiana assay allows the transient activation of seed-specific promoters in leaf tissue. In this study we have used the assay as a rapid preliminary screen of a complex seed-specific transgenic construct prior to stable transformation, a feature that will become increasingly useful as genetic engineering moves from the manipulation of single genes to the engineering of complex pathways. We propose that the assay will prove useful for other applications wherein rapid expression of transgenes driven by seed-specific constructs in leaf tissue are sought.
Potential prognostic value of heat-shock protein 90 in the presence of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase overexpression or loss of PTEN, in invasive breast cancers
Authors: Song Chang Hoon , Park So Yeon , Eom Keun-Yong , Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Sung-Won , Kim Jae Sung , Kim In Ah
Published: March 2010

Introduction

Evaluating the expression of signaling molecule proteins from the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in invasive breast cancers may identify prognostic marker(s) associated with early relapse.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analyses of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), PI3K-p110α, phospho-AKT, phospho-p70S6 kinase, phospho-S6 ribosomal protein, phospho-RAF, phospho-p44/42 MAPK, and heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) were performed on tumor samples from 212 patients with invasive breast cancer. Statistically significant relations between protein expression, clinicopathologic factors, and relapse-free survival (RFS) were analyzed.

Results

Expression of HSP90 was associated with 5-year RFS, as well as T stage, N stage, histologic grade, estrogen receptor (ER) expression, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression, and the Ki-67 proliferation index. On multivariate analysis, coexpression of HSP90 and PI3K-p110α or expression of HSP90 along with PTEN loss demonstrated significantly worse RFS. In subgroup analyses, both exhibited strong prognostic significance in HER2-positive cases, but not in HER2-negative cases.

Conclusions

The coexpression of HSP90 with PI3K-p110α or expression of HSP90 along with PTEN loss has a potential as a molecular prognostic marker to predict early relapse in patients with invasive breast cancers.
Analytic solution of the gravity anomaly of irregular 2D masses with density contrast varying as a 2D polynomial function
Authors: Zhou Xiaobing
Published: March 2010

The analytic solution of the gravity anomaly caused by a 2D irregular mass body with the density contrast varying as a polynomial function in the horizontal and vertical directions is extrapolated from a historical version in which the analytic solution for the gravity anomaly was given only at the origin of the coordinate system to any point for the density function in terms of variables relative to that origin. To calculate the gravity anomaly at stations that are not at origins, a coordinate transformation is performed, in which case the polynomial density contrast function must also be expressed in the transformed coordinates, or a transformed solution must be obtained. These analytic solutions can be obtained at any station using (1) a solution transformation method, in which the density function and boundary of a mass body are kept intact, or (2) a coordinate transformation method, in which polynomial coefficient and boundary of a mass body are transformed accordingly. The issue of singularity and instability of the analytic methods has been related to case studies. Caution should be exercised in modeling or interpreting the gravity survey data using the analytic methods for large target-distance-to-target-size ratios outside the range of numerical stability. Compared with other published methods, the analytic solution results agree very well with other numerical or seminumerical methods, indicating the solution is correct and can be applied for any gravity anomaly calculation caused by an irregular 2D mass body with the density-contrast approximated as a polynomial function of horizontal position and/or vertical position when the observation is within the range of numerical stability.
The wedge model revisited: A physical modeling experiment
Authors: Cooper Joanna K. , Lawton Don C. , Margrave Gary F.
Published: March 2010

To assess seismic amplitude effects commonly associated with the classic wedge model in geophysics, we built a scaled physical model of a simple high-velocity wedge immersed in water. In addition to demonstrating the well-known tuning effect related to thin beds, a 2D marine zero-offset seismic survey over the physical model shows a surprising number of high-amplitude dipping events corresponding to elastic multimodes, multiples, and mixed-mode reflections having nonreciprocal raypaths. These events cause additional complexities in the amplitudes of the top-wedge and base-wedge reflections that are not observed in simple acoustic seismic responses of the wedge model. Finite-difference, acoustic, exploding-reflector numerical model data, calculated using the same wedge geometry and velocity model, assisted in the identification of these events. It was found that the amplitudes of mixed-mode multiples in data recorded over high-velocity rocks with a wedge-like geometry might be significant. We also discovered that there is a maximum number of zero-offset pure-mode multiples within the wedge for a given wedge taper angle. Conventional P-wave migration of the physical model data confirmed that the multimode reflections degrade the quality of the migrated image.
Assessing the potential to detect oil spills in and under snow using airborne ground-penetrating radar
Authors: Bradford John H. , Dickins David F. , Brandvik Per Johan
Published: March 2010

With recent increased interest in oil and gas exploration and development in the Arctic comes increased potential for an accidental hydrocarbon release into the cryosphere, including within and at the base of snow. There is a critical need to develop effective and reliable methods for detecting such spills. Numerical modeling shows that ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is sensitive to the presence of oil in the snow pack over a broad range of snow densities and oil types. Oil spills from the surface drain through the snow by the mechanisms of unsaturated flow and form geometrically complex distributions that are controlled by snow stratigraphy. These complex distributions generate an irregular pattern of radar reflections that can be differentiated from natural snow stratigraphy, but in many cases, interpretation will not be straightforward. Oil located at the base of the snow tends to reduce the impedance contrast with the underlying ice or soil substrate resulting in anomalously low-amplitude radar reflections. Results of a controlled field experiment using a helicopter-borne, [Formula: see text] GPR system showed that a [Formula: see text]-thick oil film trapped between snow and sea ice was detected based on a 51% decrease in reflection strength. This is the first reported test of GPR for the problem of oil detection in and under snow. Results indicate that GPR has the potential to become a robust tool that can substantially improve oil spill characterization and remediation.
Assessment of gas-hydrate saturations in the Makran accretionary prism using the offset dependence of seismic amplitudes
Authors: Ojha Maheswar , Sain Kalachand , Minshull Timothy A.
Published: March 2010

We estimate the saturations of gas hydrate and free gas based on measurements of seismic-reflection amplitude variation with offset (AVO) for a bottom-simulating reflector coupled with rock-physics modeling. When we apply the approach to data from a seismic line in the Makran accretionary prism in the Arabian Sea, the results reveal lateral variations of gas-hydrate and free-gas saturations of 4–29% and 1–7.5%, respectively, depending on the rock-physics model used to relate seismic velocity to saturation. Our approach is simple and easy to implement.
Exact elastic P/SV impedance
Authors: Morozov Igor B.
Published: March 2010

Several extensions of the concept of acoustic impedance (AI) to oblique incidence exist and are known as elastic impedances (EI). These quantities are constructed by heuristic integrations of reflectivity series but still involve approximations and do not represent a unique medium property. Nevertheless, for unambiguous interpretation, it is desirable to have an EI that would (1) be a mechanical property of the medium and (2) yield exact reflection coefficients at all angles of incidence. Here, such a definition is given for P- and/or SV-wave propagation in an arbitrary isotropic medium. The exact elastic P/SV impedance is a matrix quantity and represents the differential operator relating the stress and strain boundary conditions. With the use of the matrix form of the reflectivity problem, no approximations are required for accurate modeling of reflection (P/P and SV/SV) and mode-conversion (P/SV and SV/P) coefficients at all angles and for any contrasts in elastic properties. The matrix EI can be computed from real well logs and inverted from ray-parameter-dependent seismic reflectivity. Known limiting cases of P- and S-wave acoustic impedances are accurately reproduced and the approach also allows the extension of the concept of impedance to an attenuative medium. The matrix impedance readily lends itself to inversion with uncertainties typical of the standard acoustic-impedance inversion problem.
Netrins guide migration of distinct glial cells in the Drosophila embryo
Authors: von Hilchen Christian M. , Hein Irina , Technau Gerhard M. , Altenhein Benjamin
Published: March 2010

Development of the nervous system and establishment of complex neuronal networks require the concerted activity of different signalling events and guidance cues, which include Netrins and their receptors. In Drosophila, two Netrins are expressed during embryogenesis by cells of the ventral midline and serve as attractant or repellent cues for navigating axons. We asked whether glial cells, which are also motile, are guided by similar cues to axons, and analysed the influence of Netrins and their receptors on glial cell migration during embryonic development. We show that in Netrin mutants, two distinct populations of glial cells are affected: longitudinal glia (LG) fail to migrate medially in the early stages of neurogenesis, whereas distinct embryonic peripheral glia (ePG) do not properly migrate laterally into the periphery. We further show that early Netrin-dependent guidance of LG requires expression of the receptor Frazzled (Fra) already in the precursor cell. At these early stages, Netrins are not yet expressed by cells of the ventral midline and we provide evidence for a novel Netrin source within the neurogenic region that includes neuroblasts. Later in development, most ePG transiently express uncoordinated 5 (unc5) during their migratory phase. In unc5 mutants, however, two of these cells in particular exhibit defective migration and stall in, or close to, the central nervous system. Both phenotypes are reversible in cell-specific rescue experiments, indicating that Netrin-mediated signalling via Fra (in LG) or Unc5 (in ePG) is a cell-autonomous effect.