bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practicing What We Preach
Authors: Wildman Jessica L. , Bedwell Wendy L.
Published: May 2013

The scientist-practitioner model, upon which many academic programs (including coursework on teams) are built, suggests that education should focus on more than just rote knowledge of a topic. The training literature also suggests that education must go beyond information to include demonstration, practice, and feedback. Accordingly, we suggest that educators teaching courses on teams should provide students not only with declarative knowledge regarding the science of teams, but also with practical experiences that will develop skilled team scientist-practitioners. We describe an example of how scientific team training was incorporated through experiential learning activities into a graduate-level psychology course on work teams. We conclude with a discussion of how this example represents an innovative approach to the pedagogy of teams, how our methods could be applied to other courses on small groups, and how to further the incorporation of validated team science into the classroom.
Hospice in End-of-Life Patients With Cancer
Authors: Breitkopf Carmen Radecki , Stephens Elisabeth K. , Jatoi Aminah
Published: May 2013

This study assessed the patterns of nonhospice health care utilization among 207 deceased cancer patients and focused on outcomes after cancer treatment was stopped. A total of 117 (57%) were enrolled in hospice. The mean cumulative number of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or other noncancer clinic visits (standard deviation) among those enrolled and not enrolled in hospice was 1.8 (± 1.8) and 3.11 (± 3.0), respectively ( P < .0001). Among hospice enrollees, the mean cumulative visits (standard deviation) was 1.29 (± 1.7) and 0.5 (± 1.0) before and after enrollment, respectively ( P < .0001). For patients who eventually enrolled, the rates of nonhospice health care visits (visits per week) yielded a trend to suggest a decline ( P = .054). Hospice was associated with a drop in nonhospice-related health care utilization, thus suggesting it provides timely medical interventions and favorable continuity of care.
Government Agenda-Setting and Bicameral Conflict Resolution
Authors: Fortunato David , König Thomas , Proksch Sven-Oliver
Published: May 2013

We examine the extent to which governments consider the role of bicameral conflict resolution procedures in legislative agenda-setting. We argue that governments may use these institutions to promote policy change in the event of bicameral conflict, especially when facing uncertainty over bicameral policy preferences. We test our arguments using comprehensive original data on forty years of German legislation and find that bicameral conflict resolution committees play a more sophisticated role in governmental policy making than previously suspected.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia With t(9;11) (p22;q23) and Synchronous Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Bohn Olga L. , Feldman Jarett L. , Heaney Mark L. , Teruya-Feldstein Julie
Published: May 2013

We present here the first report of an adult patient with simultaneous LCH and AML with t(9;11).5
Major Changes
Authors: Pozzebon Julie A. , Ashton Michael C. , Visser Beth A.
Published: May 2013

In a sample of 346 college students, we compared students of different academic major areas in their personality characteristics, mental abilities, and vocational interests, and we examined the congruence between vocational interests and academic major as a predictor of academic outcomes (grade point average, satisfaction, and change of major). Results were mainly consistent with predicted differences between the four academic major groups (arts/humanities, business, science, and helping/child related), and several of the observed differences were moderately large. However, congruence between interests and major was unrelated to academic outcomes.
Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Human Skin Keratinocytes Cells
Authors: Alarifi Saud , Ali Daoud , Verma Ankit , Alakhtani Saad , Ali Bahy A.
Published: May 2013

The wide scale use of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) due to their unique properties and important applications in magnetic, thermal, electrical, sensor devices, and cosmetics makes human beings more prone to the exposure of CuONPs and its potential adverse effects. Exposure to such nanoparticles is mainly through skin and inhalation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the apoptotic and genotoxic potential of CuONPs (50 nm) in the human skin epidermal (HaCaT) cells and its underlying mechanism of cellular toxicity. Significant decreases in cell viability were observed with CuONPs exposure in a dose- and time-dependent manner and also induced significant reduction in glutathione and induction in lipid peroxidation, catalase, and superoxide dismutase in HaCaT cells. A significant increase in caspase-3 activity was observed with CuONPs exposure in HaCaT cells indicating apoptosis. Apoptosis or necrosis was confirmed with fluorescent staining (acridine orange and propidium iodide). The CuONPs also induced DNA damage that was mediated by oxidative stress. This study investigating the effects of CuONPs in human skin cells has provided valuable insights into the mechanism of potential toxicity induced by CuONPs.
Cinderella Wears a Hijab
Authors: Kuppinger Petra
Published: May 2013

This article examines lifeworlds and transformations in multiethnic and multireligious neighborhoods in Germany. The author illustrates how by way of minute everyday interactions and encounters, individuals and groups experience each other and devise new practices that aim to accommodate the cultural and religious needs of all involved. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Stuttgart, this article argues that neighborhood spaces, everyday encounters, and ensuing cultural compromises are of fundamental importance for the construction of multiethnic and multireligious urban futures. The article focuses on the interaction of Muslim and non-Muslim individuals and groups in the context of individual, small group interactions, and larger neighborhood events. The author illustrates how concrete changes are negotiated and have become part of local practices and a distinct neighborhood ethos of cultural understanding and cooperation.
Rights to the Diverse City
Authors: James Sarah W.
Published: May 2013

Western cities are becoming increasingly culturally diverse through the intersection of processes such as international migration and the political resurgence of Indigenous peoples. The challenge remains, however, to shift from physical copresence to equal rights to the city. This article explores this challenge in an empirical case study of Aboriginal participation in plans for urban development on the fringe of Sydney, Australia’s largest city. The findings from this research highlight the limits of official attempts at recognition that focus on a narrow definition of culture to the detriment of economic and political equity. It provides empirical support for a reconceptualization of recognition to incorporate redistribution in order to redress historical marginalization and dispossession that currently limit participation in the urban polity for diverse groups.
Corporeal ethics and the politics of resistance in organizations
Authors: Pullen Alison , Rhodes Carl
Published: May 2013

This article offers an understanding of organizational ethics as embodied and pre-reflective in origin and socio-political in practice. We explore ethics as being founded in openness and generosity towards the other, and consider the organizational implications of a ‘corporeal ethics’ grounded in the body before the mind. Shifting focus away from how managers might rationally pursue organizational ethics, we elaborate on how corporeal ethics can manifest in practical and political acts that seek to defy the negation of alterity within organizations. This leads us to consider how people’s conduct in organizations might be ethically informed in the context of, and in resistance to, the dominating organizational power relations in which they find themselves. Such an ethics manifests in resisting those forms of organizing that close down difference and enact oppression; a practice we refer to as an ethico-politics of resistance.
Internet suicide in Japan: A qualitative content analysis of a suicide bulletin board
Authors: Ikunaga Ai , Nath Sanjay R. , Skinner Kenneth A.
Published: May 2013

Netto shinju, or Internet group suicide, is a contemporary form of Japanese suicide where strangers connect on the Internet and make plans to commit suicide together. In the past decade, numerous incidents have occurred whereby young Japanese make contact on the Internet, exchange tips on suicide methods, and make plans to meet offline for group/individual suicide. A systematic qualitative content/thematic analysis of online communications posted on a popular Japanese suicide bulletin board yielded a textured, thematic understanding of this phenomenon. Themes identified reflected Shneidman’s theory of suicide but with an emphasis on interpersonal concerns that are embedded in Japanese culture.
Field maturation in journalism: The role of hackademics as a ‘motley crew’
Authors: Bromley Michael
Published: May 2013

The academization of journalism is dependent on faculty in the field embracing critical research evidenced by publishing in relevant peer reviewed journals. This involves a four-step process, beginning with recognizing that critical research is central to determining the field, which presents a specific challenge to the majority of journalism faculty who transfer to the academy from practice. Journalism faculty who were or had been practicing journalists were asked how they valued critical research. Their responses indicated that, while generally viewing critical research as purposeful, they held it to be weakly integral to their roles in the academy. It is suggested that this reflects their prior experiences as journalists in a particular moment in time; uncertainty about what constitutes ‘research’, and a failure to translate external impetuses to build research into an internal research culture, caused by their shifting and uncertain roles in motley crews of creative and academic production.
Corrections for minimizing solar profile prediction errors and methods for preventing direct glare on the workplane in blind control
Authors: Seong Yoon-Bok , Yeo Myoung-Souk , Kim Kwang-Woo
Published: May 2013

As a means of improvement of environmental comfort in buildings with blind control, the objective of this study is to minimize solar profile prediction error for the purpose of preventing direct glare caused by the sunlight inlet in blind control. During the process of solar profile prediction, the main variables that cause prediction error of the solar profile were defined and problems from the prediction error were analysed. Surface orientation and time are significant factors that may cause error and glare during blind control. This research proposes and evaluates the correction methods and control strategy to minimize prediction error. In this research, the proposed correction methods and control strategy, which considers the surface orientation based on True North and potential time errors, could solve problems of direct glare caused by daylight inlet on the workplane, according to prediction errors of the solar profile. These methods could also be used to maximize daylight and solar heat gain, because the blocked area on windows could be minimized.
The beneficial role of the VAST Challenges in the evolution of GeoTime and nSpace2
Authors: Proulx Pascale , Canfield Casey
Published: May 2013

Oculus participated in the first VAST Challenge in 2006 and in every subsequent year except one. Although we have won 5 awards in the last 7 years, they are not the main reason we spend much time and effort preparing our submission each year. The VAST Challenge has proven to be a valuable exercise in evaluating and refining our tools and our thinking. No organization that has the desire to create the best possible analytic tools should pass by the unique opportunity to work on a realistic set of tasks, against nontoy datasets containing ground truth, and to be evaluated by both senior analysts and experts within the visual analytics community. Oculus staff and products have benefited from the experience as have the whole visual analytics community researchers and practitioners.
A Review of Developmental Research on Resilience in Maltreated Children
Authors: Klika J. Bart , Herrenkohl Todd I.
Published: May 2013

Research demonstrates that child maltreatment can negatively impact the psychosocial functioning of individuals well beyond the point at which the trauma occurs. Fortunately, there is evidence that many children who are maltreated succeed in overcoming some of the possible consequences that can follow exposure to this particular form of adversity. Those who do are thought to be resilient. What it means to be resilient is an issue that researchers sometimes disagree on, as is reflected by the different definitions they apply to the term and the methods they use to study the phenomenon. In this literature review, we synthesize current findings on resilience and identify areas of congruence, as well as inconsistency in research methods across the reviewed studies. We focus the review exclusively on longitudinal studies to understand the dynamic qualities of resilience. Findings of the review suggest that, while studies appear to conceptualize and measure common domains of resilience (e.g., social, emotional, behavioral functioning), the measures themselves are in some cases notably different, limiting the extent to which results can be systemically compared across studies. The review also shows that few studies, although longitudinal by design, examine resilience over extended periods of development. Consequently, little has actually been learned about how patterns of resilience unfold and are sustained. Of those studies that do examine resilience as a developmental process, the rate of stability in resilience across time is notably low. Implications for future research are discussed.
Offering Acupuncture as an Adjunct for Tobacco Cessation
Authors: Chang Emiley , Fung Lei-Chun , Li Chin-Shang , Lin Tzu-Chun , Tam Leonard , Tang Carrie , Tong Elisa K.
Published: May 2013

Disparities in smoking rates remain prominent within Asian Americans. Medical pluralism and cultural tailoring may enhance Asian Americans engaging with tobacco cessation assistance. We conducted a retrospective analysis of a community clinic’s smoking cessation program targeting a Chinese population that offered acupuncture, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and counseling from 2007 to 2010. Most participants used acupuncture, with about half choosing acupuncture and NRT, followed by more than 40% choosing acupuncture only; few chose NRT only. Tobacco cessation rates at 6 months were relatively high for the acupuncture + NRT group and only acupuncture group (37.7% vs. 28.9%). In comparing tobacco reduction >50% from baseline with an expanded only NRT group, the acupuncture + NRT group had a higher odds ratio than the only acupuncture group, which had a lower odds ratio. Our evaluation of this real-world community program offering acupuncture as a cultural adjunct to a tobacco cessation program suggests that acupuncture might help with engagement by Chinese American male smokers into a tobacco cessation program that offers counseling and NRT. Future larger studies should further evaluate the efficacy of offering acupuncture in combination with NRT on the outcomes of cessation and reduction.
Eliminating Tobacco Disparities Among Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders Through Policy Change
Authors: Palmer Paula Healani , Lee Cevadne , Sablan-Santos Lola , Lepule Jonathan Tana , Pang Victor Kaiwi , Tui’one Vanessa , Schmidt-Vaivao Dorothy , Sabado Melanie Dee , Sur Roger , Tanjasiri Sora P.
Published: May 2013

Although cigarette smoking in the general U.S. population has decreased considerably over the past several decades, prevalence rates among Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (NHPI) have remained elevated by comparison with other groups. The aggregation of NHPI smoking data with that of Asians has drawn attention away from the serious smoking problems that NHPIs experience, thus, limiting funding, programs, and policies to reduce tobacco-related health disparities in their communities. In California, community-based organizations (CBOs) have played a major role in supporting the state’s comprehensive tobacco control program, which is arguably one of the most successful in the nation. In this commentary, we describe the tobacco control activities of five NHPI-serving CBOs in Southern California and how they have provided anti-tobacco education for thousands of Native Hawaiians, Chamorros, Marshallese, Samoans, Tongans, and other Pacific Islander subgroups, and used advocacy and coalition building to promote smoke-free environment policies in their communities. The concerted efforts of the CBOs and their community members have made vital contributions to the reduction of tobacco-related disparities for NHPI populations in California.
Performance of immersion suits: A literature review
Authors: Zhang Han , Song Guowen
Published: May 2013

In this review, a summary of documented research on immersion suits (i.e. constant wear, abandonment suit and diving suit) is presented. Particular emphasis was placed on research regarding the performance and analysis of these protective suits. Heat loss from the human body is critical for the protection of the wearer of the suit during cold water immersion, while thermal stress can be experienced by the pilots or helicopter rescuers when wearing immersion suits under normal or hot environmental conditions. In addition, the knowledge gaps have been identified in the aspects of environmental hazards, development of novel textile materials, garment design features and test methods. The key factors that are fundamental to thermal insulation of immersion suits have been summarized. Efforts for improving thermal insulation have been presented. Three-dimensional body scanning, as a new approach being used to understand and improve fit and sizing of garment, may contribute to a better understanding of thermal protection and thermal comfort of immersion suits. The simulation of real open sea scenario to test thermal performance of textiles poses a big challenge for researchers. This article reviews what is known about immersion suits, describes future development trends and identifies domains for improving performance of immersion suits and testing methods.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as Adjunctive Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Löndahl Magnus
Published: May 2013

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been suggested to improve healing of hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers. Although the wide use of HBOT as a treatment for diabetic foot ulcers has been founded on weak scientific ground, 2 well-designed randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have in recent years put HBOT on firmer ground as treatment for diabetic patients with chronic foot ulcers. The recognition of inclusion criteria in these studies may help identify a select group of diabetic patients with hard-to-heal ulcers who might benefit from HBOT. In this review, we discuss the rationale behind the use of HBOT, its clinical application, and possible treatment complications.
Kernel Earth Mover's Distance for EEG Classification
Authors: Daliri Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2013

Here, we propose a new kernel approach based on the earth mover's distance (EMD) for electroencephalography (EEG) signal classification. The EEG time series are first transformed into histograms in this approach. The distance between these histograms is then computed using the EMD in a pair-wise manner. We bring the distances into a kernel form called kernel EMD. The support vector classifier can then be used for the classification of EEG signals. The experimental results on the real EEG data show that the new kernel method is very effective, and can classify the data with higher accuracy than traditional methods.
The Role of Cervical and Ocular Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials in the Follow-Up of Vestibular Neuritis
Authors: Adamec Ivan , Skorić Magdalena Krbot , Handžić Jadranka , Barušić Anabella Karla , Bach Ivo , Gabelić Tereza , Habek Mario
Published: May 2013

This study evaluates the recovery of vestibular nerve function after vestibular neuritis (VN) by vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs). Twenty-six patients with the diagnosis of VN were included. All patients underwent ocular VEMP (oVEMP) and cervical VEMP (cVEMP) recordings, at 6 days and 6 months from the onset of the symptoms. Of the 26 patients, 14 showed improvement on oVEMP at month 6 (group 1), and 12 showed no change or worsening on oVEMP at 6 months (group 2). At the same time, there was no change in the amplitudes of the cVEMP on either healthy or affected sides in both groups. Inability to perform the Fukuda test, and chronic white matter supratentorial lesions present on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were more frequent in patients with worse outcome on oVEMP ( P = 0.044 and 0.045, respectively). Although involvement of the inferior branch of the vestibular nerve was not associated with oVEMP outcome, oVEMP latencies (N10 and P13) were associated with improvement or worsening in oVEMP amplitudes, showing that prolonged latencies correlate with 6-month improvement in oVEMP amplitudes (Pearson correlation −0.472, P = 0.041 and −0.580, P = 0.009, respectively). This study identified clinical, MRI and neurophysiological predictors of recovery in patients with superior VN, and offers additional insight into, and better understanding of, the role of VEMP in diagnosis and prognosis of patients with VN. Further studies are needed to validate this diagnostic procedure and to assess its clinical usefulness in VN management.
Prevention of Osteoporosis and Bone Fragility
Authors: Kontulainen Saija Annukka , Kawalilak Chantal Elizabeth , Johnston James Duncan , Bailey Donald Alexander
Published: May 2013

The importance of optimal bone growth in childhood and adolescence has been recognized as one of the key strategies in osteoporotic fracture prevention. Low birth size, poor childhood growth, and low peak bone mass at the cessation of growth have been linked to the later risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture. Formerly, the focus was merely on maximizing bone mineral accrual because a high peak bone mineral mass may prevent attainment of a critical “fracture threshold” associated with age-related bone loss and osteoporosis. More recently, the focus has shifted away from bone mineral accrual—as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)—toward the optimization of bone strength. This is partly because of the advances in bone imaging that have enabled estimation of bone strength beyond bone mass. In this review, we briefly describe long-bone growth and structural development and our abilities to assess bone properties by medical imaging tools. In addition, we summarize the evidence of factors contributing to skeletal growth, bone fragility, and the development of strong, healthy bones.
‘The state of the debate’: A media analysis of the debates on liberalization and citizenship education in France, Sweden, and England, 2001–2010
Authors: Côté Isabelle , Sundström Malena Rosén , Sannerstedt Anders
Published: May 2013

Over the last decades, many liberal democracies have experienced a tension between the education system’s expressed requirement to foster citizenship norms and the liberal (sub-)ideal of norm neutrality. This dilemma has been accentuated by, on the one hand, increased ethnical and cultural diversity and, on the other hand, liberalization of society in general and the schooling system in particular. This article provides a ‘state of the debate’ of this tension in France, Sweden, and England, through a media analysis of the period 2001–2010. Citizenship education was most prominent in the Swedish debate. The Swedish and English positions were most alike, arguing for ‘objective civics’ and promoting freedom of choice in the school system. In contrast, the French debate argued for a common, integrative state-managed school system that provides equal opportunities to all socioeconomic groups while inculcating loyalty to the State.
Hiatal hernia predisposes to nocturnal gastro‐oesophageal reflux
Authors: Karamanolis Georgios , Polymeros Dimitrios , Triantafyllou Konstantinos , Adamopoulos Adam , Barbatzas Charalampos , Vafiadis Irini , Ladas Spiros D
Published: May 2013

Background

Nocturnal reflux has been associated with severe complications of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and a poorer quality of life. Hiatal hernia predisposes to increased oesophageal acid exposure, but the effect on night reflux symptoms has never been investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate if hiatal hernia is associated with more frequent and severe night reflux symptoms.

Methods

A total of 215 consecutive patients (110 male, mean age 52.6 ± 14.7 years) answered a detailed questionnaire on frequency and severity of specific day and night reflux symptoms. Subsequently, all patients underwent upper endoscopy and were categorized in two groups based on the endoscopic presence of hiatal hernia.

Results

Patients with hiatal hernia were more likely to have nocturnal symptoms compared to those without hiatal hernia (78.6 vs. 51.8%, p  = 0.0001); 59.2% of patients with hiatal hernia reported heartburn and 60.2% regurgitation compared to 43.8 and 39.3% of those without hiatal hernia, respectively (p  = 0.033 and p  = 0.003). The proportions of patients with day heartburn or regurgitation were not significantly different between the two groups. Night heartburn and regurgitation were graded as significantly more severe by patients with hiatal hernia (4.9 ± 4.2 vs. 3.2 ± 3.7, p  = 0.002, and 3.8 ± 4.2 vs. 2.2 ± 3.5, p  = 0.001, respectively). Patients with hiatal hernia had more frequent weekly night heartburn and regurgitation compared to those without hiatal hernia (p  = 0.004 and p  = 0.008, respectively).

Conclusions

More patients with hiatal hernia reported nocturnal reflux symptoms compared to those without hiatal hernia. Furthermore, nocturnal reflux symptoms were significantly more frequent and graded as significantly more severe in patients with presence of hiatal hernia rather than in those without hiatal hernia.
Hypolipidemic Effects of a Proprietary Commiphora Mukul Gum Resin Extract and Medium-Chain Triglyceride Preparation (GU-MCT810)
Authors: Ramachandran Cheppail , Nair Smitha M. , Quirrin Karl-W. , Melnick Steven J.
Published: May 2013

The hypolipidemic effects of the poorly soluble ayurvedic resin guggul, especially the molecular targets and mechanism, have not been well investigated to date. In the present study, we have formulated a liquid product, GU-MCT810, composed of a proprietary Commiphora mukul gum resin extract and medium-chain triglyceride and investigated its hypolipidemic effects in vitro. Treatment of HepG2 cells significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased the high-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein ratio. GU-MCT810 showed direct inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase activity in a dose-dependent manner and compared very well with the inhibitory effect of statins like Pravastatin and Mevastatin. The adipocyte differentiation was also inhibited by GU-MCT810 treatment. GU-MCT810 increased the AMPKα phosphorylation and AMPK kinase activity and inhibited the phosphorylated form of mTOR expression, indicating the molecular targets affected by the nutraceutical compound. The preparation also highly upregulated the expression of LXR and PPARα genes and moderately upregulated BABP and SHP genes.
Fate of the human Y chromosome linked genes and loci in prostate cancer cell lines DU145 and LNCaP
Authors: Yadav Sandeep Kumar , Kumari Anju , Ali Sher
Published: May 2013

Background

Prostate cancer is a known cause of mortality in men worldwide although the risk factor varies among different ethnic groups. Loss of the Y chromosome is a common chromosomal abnormality observed in the human prostate cancer.

Results

We screened 51 standard sequence tagged sites (STSs) corresponding to a male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY), sequenced the coding region of the SRY gene and assessed the status of the DYZ1 arrays in the human prostate cancer cell lines DU145 and LNCaP. The MSY was found to be intact and coding region of SRY showed no sequence variation in both the cell lines. However, DYZ1 arrays showed sequence and copy number variations. DU145 and LNCaP cells were found to carry 742 and 1945 copies of the DYZ1, respectively per 3.3 pg of genomic DNA. The DYZ1 copies detected in these cell lines are much below the average of that reported in normal human males. Similarly, the number of “TTCCA” repeat and its derivatives within the DYZ1 arrays showed variation compared to those of the normal males.

Conclusions

Clearly, the DYZ1 is maximally affected in both the cell lines. Work on additional cell lines and biopsied samples would augment our understanding about the susceptibility of this region. Based on the present work, we construe that copy number status of the DYZ1 may be exploited as a supplementary prognostic tool to monitor the occurrence of prostate cancer using biopsied samples.
A detergent-free strategy for the reconstitution of active enzyme complexes from native biological membranes into nanoscale discs
Authors: Long Ashley R , O’Brien Catherine C , Malhotra Ketan , Schwall Christine T , Albert Arlene D , Watts Anthony , Alder Nathan N
Published: May 2013

Background

The reconstitution of membrane proteins and complexes into nanoscale lipid bilayer structures has contributed significantly to biochemical and biophysical analyses. Current methods for performing such reconstitutions entail an initial detergent-mediated step to solubilize and isolate membrane proteins. Exposure to detergents, however, can destabilize many membrane proteins and result in a loss of function. Amphipathic copolymers have recently been used to stabilize membrane proteins and complexes following suitable detergent extraction. However, the ability of these copolymers to extract proteins directly from native lipid bilayers for subsequent reconstitution and characterization has not been explored.

Results

The styrene-maleic acid (SMA) copolymer effectively solubilized membranes of isolated mitochondria and extracted protein complexes. Membrane complexes were reconstituted into polymer-bound nanoscale discs along with endogenous lipids. Using respiratory Complex IV as a model, these particles were shown to maintain the enzymatic activity of multicomponent electron transporting complexes.

Conclusions

We report a novel process for reconstituting fully operational protein complexes directly from cellular membranes into nanoscale lipid bilayers using the SMA copolymer. This facile, single-step strategy obviates the requirement for detergents and yields membrane complexes suitable for structural and functional studies.
“Communicate to vaccinate”: the development of a taxonomy of communication interventions to improve routine childhood vaccination
Authors: Willis Natalie , Hill Sophie , Kaufman Jessica , Lewin Simon , Kis-Rigo John , De Castro Freire Sara Bensaude , Bosch-Capblanch Xavier , Glenton Claire , Lin Vivian , Robinson Priscilla , Wiysonge Charles S
Published: May 2013

Background

Vaccination is a cost-effective public health measure and is central to the Millennium Development Goal of reducing child mortality. However, childhood vaccination coverage remains sub-optimal in many settings. While communication is a key feature of vaccination programmes, we are not aware of any comprehensive approach to organising the broad range of communication interventions that can be delivered to parents and communities to improve vaccination coverage. Developing a classification system (taxonomy) organised into conceptually similar categories will aid in: understanding the relationships between different types of communication interventions; facilitating conceptual mapping of these interventions; clarifying the key purposes and features of interventions to aid implementation and evaluation; and identifying areas where evidence is strong and where there are gaps. This paper reports on the development of the ‘Communicate to vaccinate’ taxonomy.

Methods

The taxonomy was developed in two stages. Stage 1 included: 1) forming an advisory group; 2) searching for descriptions of interventions in trials (CENTRAL database) and general health literature (Medline); 3) developing a sampling strategy; 4) screening the search results; 5) developing a data extraction form; and 6) extracting intervention data. Stage 2 included: 1) grouping the interventions according to purpose; 2) holding deliberative forums in English and French with key vaccination stakeholders to gather feedback; 3) conducting a targeted search of grey literature to supplement the taxonomy; 4) finalising the taxonomy based on the input provided.

Results

The taxonomy includes seven main categories of communication interventions: inform or educate, remind or recall, teach skills, provide support, facilitate decision making, enable communication and enhance community ownership. These categories are broken down into 43 intervention types across three target groups: parents or soon-to-be-parents; communities, community members or volunteers; and health care providers.

Conclusions

Our taxonomy illuminates and organises this field and identifies the range of available communication interventions to increase routine childhood vaccination uptake. We have utilised a variety of data sources, capturing information from rigorous evaluations such as randomised trials as well as experiences and knowledge of practitioners and vaccination stakeholders. The taxonomy reflects current public health practice and can guide the future development of vaccination programmes.
A member of the Plasmodium falciparum PHIST family binds to the erythrocyte cytoskeleton component band 4.1
Authors: Parish Lindsay A , Mai Deborah W , Jones Matthew L , Kitson Erika L , Rayner Julian C
Published: May 2013

Background

Plasmodium falciparum parasites export more than 400 proteins into the cytosol of their host erythrocytes. These exported proteins catalyse the formation of knobs on the erythrocyte plasma membrane and an overall increase in erythrocyte rigidity, presumably by modulating the endogenous erythrocyte cytoskeleton. In uninfected erythrocytes, Band 4.1 (4.1R) plays a key role in regulating erythrocyte shape by interacting with multiple proteins through the three lobes of its cloverleaf-shaped N-terminal domain. In P. falciparum- infected erythrocytes, the C-lobe of 4.1R interacts with the P. falciparum protein mature parasite-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (MESA), but it is not currently known whether other P. falciparum proteins bind to other lobes of the 4.1R N-terminal domain.

Methods

In order to identify novel 4.1R interacting proteins, a yeast two-hybrid screen was performed with a fragment of 4.1R containing both the N- and α-lobes. Positive interactions were confirmed and investigated using site-directed mutagenesis, and antibodies were raised against the interacting partner to characterise it’s expression and distribution in P. falciparum infected erythrocytes.

Results

Yeast two-hybrid screening identified a positive interaction between the 4.1R N- and α-lobes and PF3D7_0402000. PF3D7_0402000 is a member of a large family of exported proteins that share a domain of unknown function, the PHIST domain. Domain mapping and site-directed mutagenesis established that it is the PHIST domain of PF3D7_0402000 that interacts with 4.1R. Native PF3D7_0402000 is localized at the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM), and colocalizes with a subpopulation of 4.1R.

Discussion

The function of the majority of P. falciparum exported proteins, including most members of the PHIST family, is unknown, and in only a handful of cases has a direct interaction between P. falciparum-exported proteins and components of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton been established. The interaction between 4.1R and PF3D7_0402000, and localization of PF3D7_0402000 with a sub-population of 4.1R at the PVM could indicate a role in modulating PVM structure. Further investigation into the mechanisms for 4.1R recruitment is needed.

Conclusion

PF3D7_0402000 was identified as a new binding partner for the major erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein, 4.1R. This interaction is consistent with a growing body of literature that suggests the PHIST family members function by interacting directly with erythrocyte proteins.
Successful implantation after reducing matrix metalloproteinase activity in the uterine cavity
Authors: Yoshii Noriko , Hamatani Toshio , Inagaki Noboru , Hosaka Takeshi , Inoue Osamu , Yamada Mitsutoshi , Machiya Rei , Yoshimura Yasunori , Odawara Yasushi
Published: May 2013

Background

Recently, the concept of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) in assisted reproductive technology has been enlarged. Chronic uterine inflammation is a known cause of implantation failure and is associated with high matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in uterine cavity flushing. MMP activity of women with RIF has been reported to be higher than that of fertile women. In the present retrospective study we evaluated the efficacy of treatment for high MMP activity in the uterine cavity of patients with RIF.

Methods

Of the 597 patients recruited to the study, 360 patients underwent MMP measurements and 237 patients did not (control group). All patients had failed to become pregnant, despite at least two transfers of good-quality embryos. Gelatinase MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in uterine flushing fluid was detected by enzymology (MMP test). All samples were classified into two groups (positive or negative) based on the intensity of the bands on the enzyme zymogram, which represents the degree of MMP activity. Patients who tested positive on the initial test were treated for 2 weeks with a quinolone antibiotic and a corticosteroid, and subsequently underwent a second MMP test. Negative results on the second MMP tests after treatment and subsequent rates of pregnancy and miscarriage were used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment. Data were analyzed by the Mann–Whitney U-test and the chi-square test.

Results

Of the patients who underwent the MMP test, 15.6% had positive results (high MMP activity). After treatment, 89.3% of patients had negative results on the second MMP test. These patients had a significantly better pregnancy rate (42.0%) than the control group (26.6%), as well as a lower miscarriage rate (28.5% vs 36.5%, respectively).

Conclusions

A 2-week course of antibiotics and corticosteroids effectively improves the uterine environment underlying RIF by reducing MMP activity.
Functional proteomic analysis of seminal plasma proteins in men with various semen parameters
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Agarwal Ashok , Mohanty Gayatri , Jesudasan Rachel , Gopalan Banu , Willard Belinda , Yadav Satya P , Sabanegh Edmund
Published: May 2013

Background

Alterations at the molecular level in spermatozoa and seminal plasma can affect male fertility. The objective of this study was to determine if analysis of differential expression of proteins in varying semen parameters can serve as potential biomarkers for male infertility.

Methods

The differential expression of proteins in the seminal plasma of men based on sperm count and morphology were examined utilizing proteomic tools. Subjects were categorized based on sperm concentration and morphology into 4 groups: 1) normal sperm count and normal morphology (NN); 2) normal sperm count and abnormal morphology (NA); 3) oligozoospermia and normal morphology (ON); and 4) oligozoospermia and abnormal morphology (OA). Proteomic analysis was performed by LC-MS/MS followed by functional bioinformatics analysis. Protein distribution in the NA, ON and OA groups was compared with that of the NN group.

Results

Twenty proteins were differentially expressed among the 4 groups. Among the unique proteins identified, 3 were downregulated in the NA group, 1 in the ON group and 1 in the OA group while 2 were upregulated in the ON and OA groups. The functional analysis 1) identified biological regulation as the major processes affected and 2) determined that most of the identified proteins were of extracellular origin.

Conclusions

We have identified proteins that are over-or underexpressed in the seminal plasma of men with poor sperm quality. The distinct presence of some of the proteins may serve as potential biomarkers and provide insight into the mechanistic role played by these proteins in male infertility. Further studies using Western Blot analysis are required to validate these findings.
Integrated multicast routing algorithms considering traffic engineering for broadband IPTV services
Authors: Youm Sungkwan , Shon Taeshik , Kim Eui-Jik
Published: May 2013

With the rapid growth of broadband network deployment and multimedia streaming development, Internet protocol (IP) multicast networks have become a delivery mechanism for Internet protocol television (IPTV). IPTV provides a two-way interactive service to the viewers, which generates the path request for IP multicast network. Thus, it is essential to evaluate the path rejection probability accurately and further to reduce it. In this paper, we propose a new dynamic multicast routing algorithm for broadband IPTV services and apply it to three legacy algorithms. These integrated multicast routing algorithms support the minimum cost and the traffic engineering features, in order to maximize the acceptance rate for bandwidth constraint path request under IPTV service environments. Furthermore, we compare their network performances in terms of the acceptance rate and delay by experimental simulations. The simulation result gives us that the nearest node first Dijkstra algorithm can be the optimal solution of multicast connection for IPTV service delivery.
Passive anti-amyloid immunotherapy in Alzheimer's disease: What are the most promising targets?
Authors: Moreth Jens , Mavoungou Chrystelle , Schindowski Katharina
Published: May 2013

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common dementia in the industrialized world, with prevalence rates well over 30% in the over 80-years-old population. The dementia causes enormous costs to the social healthcare systems, as well as personal tragedies for the patients, families and caregivers. AD is strongly associated with Amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein aggregation, which results in extracellular plaques in the brain, and according to the amyloid cascade hypothesis appeared to be a promising target for the development of AD therapeutics. Within the past decade convincing data has arisen positioning the soluble prefibrillar Aβ-aggregates as the prime toxic agents in AD. However, different Aβ aggregate species are described but their remarkable metastability hampers the identification of a target species for immunization. Passive immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Aβ is in late clinical development but recently the two most advanced mAbs, Bapineuzumab and Solanezumab, targeting an N-terminal or central epitope, respectively, failed to meet their target of improving or stabilizing cognition and function. Preliminary data from off-label treatment of a small cohort for 3 years with intravenous polyclonal immunoglobulins (IVIG) that appear to target different conformational epitopes indicate a cognitive stabilization. Thus, it might be the more promising strategy reducing the whole spectrum of Aβ-aggregates than to focus on a single aggregate species for immunization.
Adenosine A2A receptors promote collagen production by a Fli1- and CTGF-mediated mechanism
Authors: Chan Edwin SL , Liu Hailing , Fernandez Patricia , Luna Alex , Perez-Aso Miguel , Bujor Andreea M , Trojanowska Maria , Cronstein Bruce N
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Adenosine, acting through the A2A receptor, promotes tissue matrix production in the skin and the liver and induces the development of dermal fibrosis and cirrhosis in murine models. Since expression of A2A receptors is increased in scleroderma fibroblasts, we examined the mechanisms by which the A2A receptor produces its fibrogenic effects.

Methods

The effects of A2A receptor ligation on the expression of the transcription factor, Fli1, a constitutive repressor for the synthesis of matrix proteins, such as collagen, is studied in dermal fibroblasts. Fli1 is also known to repress the transcription of CTGF/CCN2, and the effects of A2A receptor stimulation on CTGF and TGF-β1 expression are also examined.

Results

A2A receptor occupancy suppresses the expression of Fli1 by dermal fibroblasts. A2A receptor activation induces the secretion of CTGF by dermal fibroblasts, and neutralization of CTGF abrogates the A2A receptor-mediated enhancement of collagen type I production. A2AR activation, however, resulted in a decrease in TGF-β1 protein release.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Fli1 and CTGF are important mediators of the fibrogenic actions of adenosine and the use of small molecules such as adenosine A2A receptor antagonists may be useful in the therapy of dermal fibrosis in diseases such as scleroderma.
Molecular apocrine breast cancers are aggressive estrogen receptor negative tumors overexpressing either HER2 or GCDFP15
Authors: Lehmann-Che Jacqueline , Hamy Anne-Sophie , Porcher Raphaël , Barritault Marc , Bouhidel Fatiha , Habuellelah Hanadi , Leman-Detours Solenne , de Roquancourt Anne , Cahen-Doidy Laurence , Bourstyn Edwige , de Cremoux Patricia , de Bazelaire Cedric , Albiter Marcela , Giacchetti Sylvie , Cuvier Caroline , Janin Anne , Espié Marc , de Thé Hugues , Bertheau Philippe
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Molecular apocrine (MA) tumors are estrogen receptor (ER) negative breast cancers characterized by androgen receptor (AR) expression. We analyzed a group of 58 transcriptionally defined MA tumors and proposed a new tool to identify these tumors.

Methods

We performed quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) for ESR1, AR, FOXA1 and AR-related genes, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for ER, PR, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), CK5/6, CK17, EGFR, Ki67, AR, FOXA1 and GCDFP15 and we analyzed clinical features.

Results

MA tumors were all characterized by ESR1(-) AR(+) FOXA1(+) and AR-related genes positive mRNA profile. IHC staining on these tumors showed 93% ER(-), only 58% AR(+) and 90% FOXA1(+). 67% and 57% MA tumors were HER2(3+) and GCDFP15(+), respectively. Almost all MA tumors (94%) had the IHC signature HER2(3+) or GCDFP15(+) but none of the 13 control basal-like (BL) tumors did. Clinically, MA tumors were rather aggressive, with poor prognostic factors.

Conclusion

MA tumors could be better defined by their qRT-PCR-AR profile than by AR IHC. In addition, we found that HER2 or GCDFP15 protein overexpression is a sensitive and specific tool to differentiate MA from BL in the context of ER negative tumors. A composite molecular and IHC signature could, therefore, help to identify MA tumors in daily practice.