bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating corporate social responsibility practices in Iranian organizations: an ISO 26000 perspective
Authors: Valmohammadi Changiz
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This study seeks to explore how far Iranian organizations are involved with the concepts and domain of corporate social responsibility (CSR) mainly based on a descriptive analysis. Also to determine the drivers and barriers of CSR implementation in the context of Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the seven core subjects of ISO 26000 standard, namely organizational governance, human rights, labor practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement and development and also an in‐depth study of literature review the related elements of these core subjects were identified. The study collected data through a structured questionnaire. The 105 responses received were analyzed descriptively and the result presented.

Findings

Results showed that the main reason for CSR implementation for these organizations is the increase of corporate identity and general reputation and the main barrier is general lack of knowledge or awareness of CSR. Also most of their efforts and activities are limited to philanthropic or sponsorship actions. Hence it could be concluded that CSR is a concept that is yet to be fully understood and appreciated among these organizations.

Research limitations/implications

This study has been limited to Iran. Hence the findings and conclusions drawn from this research are representative of the Iranian context only. It is recommended in future to include other countries in this research. Furthermore, only one response represents the view of an organization. So the need to exercise caution in generalizing the results.

Originality/value

This study has the potential to enhance the understanding of CSR practices and initiatives, and drivers and barriers amongst researches and practitioners in the context of Iran. Also the research adds knowledge in the field of CSR within the context of developing countries and gives a particular focus on the Iranian organizations.
Defining diversity: the evolution of diversity
Authors: Kapoor Camille
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The Hospitality Industry Diversity Institute (Hidi) has put together a review of diversity research that looks at the entrance of diversity into the management conversation, how it compares and contrasts with affirmative action, the transformation of diversity into a broad based and inclusive concept, and some concerns with a broad diversity definition. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology includes qualitative archival research which has been done to establish the review. The design of the paper flows through the entrance of diversity to an inclusion of diversity today, with a concern on a broad definition of diversity.

Findings

The research has led the author to affirm The Diversity Task Force's 2001 definition of diversity, whereby diversity includes “all characteristics and experiences that define each of us as individuals” (Diversity Task Force, 2001).

Research limitations/implications

Hidi wishes to be mindful of a broad definition of diversity and emphasizes the importance of recognizing that individuals with primary dimensions may have very different secondary dimensions. Research has been limited to pre‐existing articles. Further research could include broad‐based diversity initiatives, the differences of diversity at a cultural level, and dimensions in diversity that are relevant to the workplace.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper stems from its attempt to define the broad concept of diversity as it has evolved. In all industries, valuing all of the components of an individual is crucial to an organization's success. This paper's value is in providing information to help those organizations, specifically the hospitality industry, and society better understand diversity.
Researching the American Dream
Authors: Larry Jackson Joseph
Published: September 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to review the question as to how academia and industry might work together to create research ideas that will result in methodologically sound research that also has pragmatic benefits for industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The introduction of this article reviews industry panel reflections from the 2010 Hospitality Industry Diversity Institute (Hidi) conference. The main body of the article contains the author's perspective on what industry can gain from understanding and using the results of diversity research.

Findings

The paper presents the findings of the 2010 Hidi conference and how research can be a valuable management tool.

Practical implications

For researchers, the article gives industry research priorities for diversity research. For practitioners, it explains how research can be used to help manage organizations.

Originality/value

The paper provides research priorities and gives an overview on the use of research by an industry leader. This approach is unique and will have value to the readers.
Industry perspectives on diversity research
Authors: Kapoor Camille , Madera Juan M.
Published: September 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present industry perspectives on diversity research for the hospitality industry. This piece transcribes a panel discussion at the 2010 Hospitality Industry Diversity Institute Conference.

Design/methodology/approach

The panel discussion created dialogue between industry professionals and academic researchers with the goal of creating research on a variety of diversity topics that are meaningful to the hospitality industry. The variety of topics include visible tattoos in the workplace, multicultural travelers, attracting minority employees to the hospitality industry, and a general discussion of various issues central to the industry.

Findings

As a result of this discussion, researchers have learned that there are potential research opportunities regarding many of the topics presented in the discussion panel. Specifically, there is an interest in research regarding consumer perceptions of visible tattoos on employees; understanding what motivates and influences multicultural travelers in their travel decisions; how to attract minorities to choose the hospitality industry as a career; and general comments and concerns about research such as the need to make findings “relevant and applicable.” “We need industry support, especially gaining access and collecting data” (Dr Fevzi Okumus), and feedback should be stressed to make sure “the right thing is happening from a customer's perspective” (Tom Cusimano).

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed in the areas of how tattoos can influence the customer's experience, what is driving the multicultural traveler's decisions, what career paths are minorities choosing, and how the hospitality industry may successfully attract minorities to make their career in the field.

Originality/value

The paper provides original material from industry professionals and academic researchers. This piece is valuable for members of both the industry and academic community to help each better understand the needs of one another, including the need for collaboration from organizations in research from the academic community, and the need for research from the industry as well as practical application of results.
Drug use in rural China: a preliminary investigation in Hunan Province
Authors: Deng Qijian , Tang Quansheng , Schottenfeld Richard S. , Hao Wei , Chawarski Marek C.
Published: September 2011

Aims  To compare characteristics and illicit drug abuse patterns among drug abusers in rural and urban areas of Hunan Province, China.

Measurements and design  Data collected by public security bureau on newly registered drug abusers between 2005 and 2008 in five urban and five rural areas (n = 1639) were extracted anonymously and analyzed.

Setting and participants  All newly registered drug users in urban (n = 812) and rural (n = 827) areas of Hunan Province were included.

Findings  Drug users from the rural areas were younger [31 (6.6) versus 34 (8.0) years, P < 0.001], with a higher proportion of males (86% versus 82%, P < 0.05) or married (34% versus 27%, P < 0.01). Rural drug users reported an earlier onset of drug use [27 (5.9) versus 30 (7.9) years old, P < 0.001], were more likely to report heroin as their primary drug of abuse (53% versus 47%, P < 0.001) and had a lower prevalence of criminal activities (19% versus 31%, P < 0.001). Rural drug users were less likely to report needle sharing (1.8% versus 4.3%, P < 0.01), less likely to report being human immunodeficiency virus positive (0.8% versus 2.6%, P < 0.01) and less likely to report prior drug treatment participation (2.8% versus 6.8%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Drug abuse is a substantial problem in both urban and rural areas in China. The very low proportion of newly registered drug users reporting any prior drug abuse treatment points to the importance of expanding substance abuse treatments, especially in rural areas where treatment penetration is even lower than in urban areas.
Does Low Atmospheric Pressure Independently Trigger Migraine?
Authors: Bolay Hayrunnisa , Rapoport Alan
Published: September 2011

Although atmospheric weather changes are often listed among the common migraine triggers, studies to determine the specific weather component(s) responsible have yielded inconsistent results. Atmospheric pressure change produces air movement, and low pressure in particular is associated with warm weather, winds, clouds, dust, and precipitation, but how this effect might generate migraine is not immediately obvious. Humans are exposed to low atmospheric pressure in situations such as ascent to high altitude or traveling by airplane in a pressurized cabin. In this brief overview, we consider those conditions and experimental data delineating other elements in the atmosphere potentially related to migraine (such as Saharan dust). We conclude that the available data suggest low atmospheric pressure unaccompanied by other factors does not trigger migraine.
Expression and function of epithelial anoctamins
Authors: Kunzelmann Karl , Schreiber Rainer , Kmit Arthur , Jantarajit Walailak , Martins Joana Raquel , Faria Diana , Kongsuphol Patthara , Ousingsawat Jiraporn , Tian Yuemin
Published: September 2011

Endogenous Ca2+‐activated Cl− currents (CaCCs) are abundant and present in very different cell types. Very good evidence has been provided that endogenous CaCC is produced by anoctamin 1 (Ano1) and Ano2. Insight into the physiological role of anoctamins has been provided for Ano1, Ano2 and Ano6; however, the physiological role of the other seven members of the anoctamin family remains obscure. Anoctamins 1 and 2 may operate as individual Ca2+‐sensitive channel proteins or may require accessory subunits for complete function. We find that overexpressed Ano1 has properties resembling all those of endogenous CaCCs, although with some noticeable biophysical and regulatory differences when compared with endogenous channels. Apart from Ano1 and Ano2, expression of Ano6 also produces a Cl− conductance. Depending on the cellular background, Ano6 currents may have variable properties. Anoctamins 1 and 6 are frequent in epithelial cells, often coexpressed together with Ano8, Ano9 and Ano10. Most available data on anoctamins were obtained from mouse tissues and from cultured cells, which may not be representative of native human tissues.
An Analytical Solution of Two-Dimensional Flow and Deformation Coupling Due to a Point Source Within a Finite Poroelastic Media
Authors: Li Peichao , Lu Detang
Published: September 2011

An analytical solution is derived for the time-dependent flow and deformation coupling of a saturated isotropic homogeneous incompressible poroelastic media within a two-dimensional (2D) finite domain due to a point source at some arbitrary position. In this study, the pore pressure field is assumed to conform to the second type of boundary conditions. Boundary conditions of the displacement field are chosen with care to match the appropriate finite sine and cosine transforms and simplify the resulting solution. It is found that the analytical solution is always independent of the Poisson’s ratio. The detailed solutions are given for the case of a periodic point source with zero pressure derivatives on the boundaries and for an imposed pressure derivative on the lower edge in the absence of a source. The presented analytical solutions are highly applicable for calibrating numerical codes, and meanwhile they can be used to further investigate the transient behavior of flow and deformation coupling induced by fluid withdrawal within a 2D finite poroelastic media.
Structural Reliability Methods Applied to Power Switch Devices: Example of an Aeronautical IGBT Module
Authors: Zéanh Adrien , Dalverny Olivier , Bouzourene Arezki , Bruzy Christophe
Published: September 2011

In this paper, an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) module designed for aeronautic applications is investigated using structural reliability methods coupled with Finite Elements (FE) modeling. The lifetime of the module with respect to its solder joints failure, is evaluated using its thermomechanical response, in association with a low cycle fatigue model. The simulation of an aeronautic typical Accelerated Thermal Cycling (ATC) test configuration allows checking in a first step, the relevancy of the numerical procedure by assessing the experimental lifetime of the connections, and comparing them to experimental results. Then, the structural reliability of the module is evaluated over the target aircraft predicted useful lifetime, comparing the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) and Monte-Carlo Simulation (M-CS). The appropriate temperature mission profile and flight time are therefore considered with their scatters, in addition to those of the parameters of the fatigue model. Regarding these latter parameters, a simulation based approach is proposed and applied for the determination of their probability density function (pdf). For reasonable reliability analysis time, the thermomechanical response of the module was surrogated using Kriging metamodels. The paper ends with the exploitation of the reliability importance factors for identifying and proposing improvements, with the demonstration of considerable reliability increase.
Variability of Escherichia coli O157 Strain Survival in Manure-Amended Soil in Relation to Strain Origin, Virulence Profile, and Carbon Nutrition Profile
Authors: Franz Eelco , van Hoek Angela H. A. M. , Bouw El , Aarts Henk J. M.
Published: September 2011

The variation in manure-amended soil survival capability among 18
Escherichia coli
O157 strains (8 animal, 1 food, and 9 human isolates) was studied using a single sandy soil sample and a single sample of cattle manure as the inoculum carrier. The virulence profiles of
E. coli
O157 strains were characterized by detection of virulence determinants (73 genes, 122 probes in duplicate) by using the Identibac
E. coli
genotyping DNA miniaturized microarray. Metabolic profiling was done by subjecting all strains to the Biolog phenotypic carbon microarray. Survival times (calculated as days needed to reach the detection limit using the Weibull model) ranged from 47 to 266 days (median, 120 days). Survival time was significantly higher for the group of human isolates (median, 211 days; minimum [min.], 71; maximum [max.], 266) compared to the group of animal isolates (median, 70 days; min., 47; max., 249) (
P
= 0.025). Although clustering of human versus animal strains was observed based on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns, no relation between survival time and the presence of virulence genes was observed. Principal component analysis on the metabolic profiling data revealed distinct clustering of short- and long-surviving strains. The oxidization rate of propionic acid, α-ketobutyric acid, and α-hydroxybutyric acid was significantly higher for the long-surviving strains than for the short-surviving strains. The oxidative capacity of
E. coli
O157 strains may be regarded as a phenotypic marker for enhanced survival in manure-amended soil. The large variation observed in survival is of importance for risk assessment models.
Intergenic Sequence Comparison of Escherichia coli Isolates Reveals Lifestyle Adaptations but Not Host Specificity
Authors: White A. P. , Sibley K. A. , Sibley C. D. , Wasmuth J. D. , Schaefer R. , Surette M. G. , Edge T. A. , Neumann N. F.
Published: September 2011

Establishing the risk of human infection is one of the goals of public health. For bacterial pathogens, the virulence and zoonotic potential can often be related to their host source.Escherichia colibacteria are common contaminants of water associated with human recreation and consumption, and many strains are pathogenic. In this study, we analyzed three promoter-containing intergenic regions from 284 diverseE. coliisolates in an attempt to identify molecular signatures associated with specific host types. Promoter sequences controlling production of curli fimbriae, flagella, and nutrient import yielded a phylogenetic tree with isolates clustered by established phylogenetic grouping (A, B1, B2, and D) but not by host source. Virulence genes were more prevalent in groups B2 and D isolates and in human isolates. Group B1 isolates, primarily from nonhuman sources, were the most genetically similar, indicating that they lacked molecular adaptations to specific host environments and were likely host generalists. Conversely, B2 isolates, primarily from human sources, displayed greater genetic distances and were more likely to be host adapted. In agreement with these hypotheses, prevalence of σSactivity and the rdar morphotype, phenotypes associated with environmental survival, were significantly higher in B1 isolates than in B2 isolates. Based on our findings, we speculate thatE. colihost specificity is not defined by genome-wide sequence changes but, rather, by the presence or absence of specific genes and associated promoter elements. Furthermore, the requirements for colonization of the human gastrointestinal tract may lead toE. colilifestyle changes along with selection for increased virulence.
Roles of Ras1 Membrane Localization during Candida albicans Hyphal Growth and Farnesol Response
Authors: Piispanen Amy E. , Bonnefoi Ophelie , Carden Sarah , Deveau Aurelie , Bassilana Martine , Hogan Deborah A.
Published: September 2011

Many Ras GTPases localize to membranes via C-terminal farnesylation and palmitoylation, and localization regulates function. In
Candida albicans
, a fungal pathogen of humans, Ras1 links environmental cues to morphogenesis. Here, we report the localization and membrane dynamics of Ras1, and we characterize the roles of conserved C-terminal cysteine residues, C287 and C288, which are predicted sites of palmitoylation and farnesylation, respectively. GFP-Ras1 is localized uniformly to plasma membranes in both yeast and hyphae, yet Ras1 plasma membrane mobility was reduced in hyphae compared to that in yeast. Ras1-C288S was mislocalized to the cytoplasm and could not support hyphal development. Ras1-C287S was present primarily on endomembranes, and strains expressing
ras1-C287S
were delayed or defective in hyphal induction depending on the medium used. Cells bearing constitutively activated Ras1-C287S or Ras1-C288S, due to a G13V substitution, showed increased filamentation, suggesting that lipid modifications are differentially important for Ras1 activation and effector interactions. The
C. albicans
autoregulatory molecule, farnesol, inhibits Ras1 signaling through adenylate cyclase and bears structural similarities to the farnesyl molecule that modifies Ras1. At lower concentrations of farnesol, hyphal growth was inhibited but Ras1 plasma membrane association was not altered; higher concentrations of farnesol led to mislocalization of Ras1 and another G protein, Rac1. Furthermore, farnesol inhibited hyphal growth mediated by cytosolic Ras1-C288SG13V, suggesting that farnesol does not act through mechanisms that depend on Ras1 farnesylation. Our findings imply that Ras1 is farnesylated and palmitoylated, and that the Ras1 stimulation of adenylate cyclase-dependent phenotypes can occur in the absence of these lipid modifications.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citrumelo F1, Which Causes Citrus Bacterial Spot Disease, and Related Strains Provides Insights into Virulence and Host Specificit
Authors: Jalan Neha , Aritua Valente , Kumar Dibyendu , Yu Fahong , Jones Jeffrey B. , Graham James H. , Setubal João C. , Wang Nian
Published: September 2011

Xanthomonas axonopodis
pv. citrumelo is a citrus pathogen causing citrus bacterial spot disease that is geographically restricted within the state of Florida. Illumina, 454 sequencing, and optical mapping were used to obtain a complete genome sequence of
X. axonopodis
pv. citrumelo strain F1, 4.9 Mb in size. The strain lacks plasmids, in contrast to other citrus
Xanthomonas
pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this pathogen is very close to the tomato bacterial spot pathogen
X. campestris
pv. vesicatoria 85-10, with a completely different host range. We also compared
X. axonopodis
pv. citrumelo to the genome of citrus canker pathogen
X. axonopodis
pv. citri 306. Comparative genomic analysis showed differences in several gene clusters, like those for type III effectors, the type IV secretion system, lipopolysaccharide synthesis, and others. In addition to
pthA
, effectors such as
xopE3, xopAI
, and
hrpW
were absent from
X. axonopodis
pv. citrumelo while present in
X. axonopodis
pv. citri. These effectors might be responsible for survival and the low virulence of this pathogen on citrus compared to that of
X. axonopodis
pv. citri. We also identified unique effectors in
X. axonopodis
pv. citrumelo that may be related to the different host range as compared to that of
X. axonopodis
pv. citri.
X. axonopodis
pv. citrumelo also lacks various genes, such as
syrE1, syrE2
, and RTX toxin family genes, which were present in
X. axonopodis
pv. citri. These may be associated with the distinct virulences of
X. axonopodis
pv. citrumelo and
X. axonopodis
pv. citri. Comparison of the complete genome sequence of
X. axonopodis
pv. citrumelo to those of
X. axonopodis
pv. citri and
X. campestris
pv. vesicatoria provides valuable insights into the mechanism of bacterial virulence and host specificity.
Decay of a Model mRNA in Bacillus subtilis by a Combination of RNase J1 5′ Exonuclease and RNase Y Endonuclease Activities
Authors: Yao Shiyi , Richards Jamie , Belasco Joel G. , Bechhofer David H.
Published: September 2011

The involvement of the recently characterized 5′ exonuclease activity of RNase J1 and endonuclease activity of RNase Y in the turnover of Δ
ermC
mRNA in
Bacillus subtilis
was investigated. Evidence is presented that both of these activities determine the half-life of Δ
ermC
mRNA.
CsrA Represses Translation ofsdiA, Which Encodes theN-Acylhomoserine-l-Lactone Receptor of Escherichia coli, by Binding Exclusively within the Coding Region ofsdiAmRNA
Authors: Yakhnin Helen , Baker Carol S. , Berezin Igor , Evangelista Michael A. , Rassin Alisa , Romeo Tony , Babitzke Paul
Published: September 2011

The RNA binding protein CsrA is the central component of a conserved global regulatory system that activates or represses gene expression posttranscriptionally. In every known example of CsrA-mediated translational control, CsrA binds to the 5′ untranslated region of target transcripts, thereby repressing translation initiation and/or altering the stability of the RNA. Furthermore, with few exceptions, repression by CsrA involves binding directly to the Shine-Dalgarno sequence and blocking ribosome binding.sdiAencodes the quorum-sensing receptor forN-acyl-l-homoserine lactone inEscherichia coli. BecausesdiAindirectly stimulates transcription ofcsrB, which encodes a small RNA (sRNA) antagonist of CsrA, we further explored the relationship betweensdiAand the Csr system. Primer extension analysis revealed four putative transcription start sites within 85 nucleotides of thesdiAinitiation codon. Potential σ70-dependent promoters were identified for each of these primer extension products. In addition, two CsrA binding sites were predicted in the initially translated region ofsdiA. Expression of chromosomally integratedsdiA′-′lacZtranslational fusions containing the entire promoter and CsrA binding site regions indicates that CsrA repressessdiAexpression. The results from gel shift and footprint studies demonstrate that tight binding of CsrA requires both of these sites. Furthermore, the results from toeprint andin vitrotranslation experiments indicate that CsrA represses translation ofsdiAby directly competing with 30S ribosomal subunit binding. Thus, this represents the first example of CsrA preventing translation by interacting solely within the coding region of an mRNA target.
Plasma nitrate/nitrite concentrations in dogs with naturally developing sepsis and non‐infectious forms of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Osterbur K. , Whitehead Z. , Sharp C. R. , DeClue A. E.
Published: September 2011

The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the differences in plasma nitrate/nitrite concentrations between dogs with sepsis and those with non‐infectious forms of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Eighteen dogs with sepsis, 20 dogs with SIRS and 29 healthy control dogs were enrolled. Blood samples were obtained from the dogs within 12 hours of admission to the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (MU VMTH) Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in lithium heparin blood tubes. Plasma nitrate/nitrite concentrations were measured using the Greiss reaction. Plasma nitrate/nitrite concentrations at presentation, clinical parameters, organ dysfunction and in‐hospital mortality were compared between groups. Plasma total nitrate/nitrite was significantly greater in the sepsis group compared with the control group (P=0.005) and SIRS group (P=0.037). There was no statistical difference in plasma nitrate/nitrite concentration between the SIRS and control groups (P=0.489). The sensitivity was 66.7 per cent (95 per cent CI, 41 to 87 per cent) and the specificity was 75.5 per cent (95 per cent CI, 61 to 87 per cent) for differentiating dogs with sepsis from dogs without sepsis.
Active review sessions can advance student learning
Authors: Favero Terence G.
Published: September 2011

Traditional review sessions are intended to help students learn and prepare for upcoming exams. Most sessions are passive question and answer sessions that look backward at content deficits rather than advancing student learning. By incorporating active and cooperative learning approaches during a review session, students are able to recognize critical concepts and better prepare for physiological problem solving. Active review sessions help students prioritize the knowledge and develop the thinking skills will be required of them on the exam.
Learning styles of medical students change in relation to time
Authors: Gurpinar Erol , Bati Hilal , Tetik Cihat
Published: September 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate if any changes exist in the learning styles of medical students over time and in relation to different curriculum models with these learning styles. This prospective cohort study was conducted in three different medical faculties, which implement problem-based learning (PBL), hybrid, and integrated curriculum models. The study instruments were Kolb's Learning Style Inventory (LSI) and a questionnaire describing the students' demographic characteristics. Sample selection was not done, and all first-year students ( n = 547) were targeted. This study was designed in two phases. In the first year, the study instruments were delivered to the target group. The next year, the same instruments were delivered again to those who had fully completed the first questionnaire ( n = 525). Of these, 455 students had completed the instruments truly and constituted the study group. The majority of the students were assimilators and convergers in both the first and second years. A change in learning style was observed between 2 yr in 46.9% of the students in the integrated curriculum, in 49.3% of the students in the hybrid curriculum, and 56.4% of the students in the PBL curriculum. The least and most changes observed between the learning style groups were in assimilators and divergers, respectively. Curriculum models and other independent variables had no significant effect on the change between learning styles. The learning styles of medical students may change over time. Further followup studies in larger groups are needed to clarify this relation.
Video laboratories for the teaching and learning of professional ethics in exercise physiology curricula
Authors: Senchina David S.
Published: September 2011

Student researchers in physiology courses often interact with human subjects in classroom research but may be unfamiliar with the professional ethics of experimenter-subject interactions. This communication describes experiences related to an interactive video used in exercise science and general biology courses to help students become aware of, sensitive to, and comfortable with implementing professional ethics into their own thinking and behavior as researchers before entering the laboratory. The activity consisted of a filmed exercise physiology experiment complemented with interactive question sheets followed by small- and large-group discussion and culminating with individual student reflections. Student written responses from multiple courses indicated that students were able to 1) identify and consider the ethics of experimenter-subject interactions from the movie, 2) generalize broader ideas of professional ethics from those observations, and 3) consider their observations in terms of future experiments they would be conducting personally and how they should interact with human subjects. A majority of students indicated a positive reaction to the video and identified specific aspects they appreciated. It is hoped that this report will encourage other instructors to consider the use of interactive videos in the teaching and learning of professional ethics related to their courses.
NFATc3 is required for chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in adult and neonatal mice
Authors: Bierer R. , Nitta C. H. , Friedman J. , Codianni S. , de Frutos S. , Dominguez-Bautista J. A. , Howard T. A. , Resta T. C. , Gonzalez Bosc L. V.
Published: September 2011

Pulmonary hypertension occurs with prolonged exposure to chronic hypoxia in both adults and neonates. The Ca2+-dependent transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells isoform c3 (NFATc3), has been implicated in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling in adult mice. Therefore, we hypothesized that NFATc3 is required for chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in adult and neonatal mice. The aim of this study was to determine whether 1) NFATc3 mediates chronic hypoxia-induced increases in right ventricular systolic pressure in adult mice; 2) NFATc3 is activated in neonatal mice exposed to chronic hypoxia; and 3) NFATc3 is involved in chronic hypoxia-induced right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular remodeling in neonatal mice. Adult mice were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 2, 7, and 21 days. Neonatal mouse pups were exposed for 7 days to hypobaric chronic hypoxia within 2 days after delivery. Hypoxia-induced increases in right ventricular systolic pressure were absent in NFATc3 knockout adult mice. In neonatal mice, chronic hypoxia caused NFAT activation in whole lung and nuclear accumulation of NFATc3 in both pulmonary vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. In addition, heterozygous NFATc3 neonates showed less right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary artery wall thickness in response to chronic hypoxia than did wild-type neonates. Our results suggest that NFATc3 mediates pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling in both adult and neonatal mice.
Insulin-like Growth Factor–Binding Protein-7 Functions as a Potential Tumor Suppressor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Dong , Yoo Byoung Kwon , Santhekadur Prasanna Kumar , Gredler Rachel , Bhutia Sujit K. , Das Swadesh K. , Fuller Christine , Su Zao-zhong , Fisher Paul B. , Sarkar Devanand
Published: September 2011

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly virulent malignancy with no effective treatment, thus requiring innovative and effective targeted therapies. The oncogene astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) plays a seminal role in hepatocarcinogenesis and profoundly downregulates insulin-like growth factor–binding protein-7 (IGFBP7). The present study focuses on analyzing potential tumor suppressor functions of IGFBP7 in HCC and the relevance of IGFBP7 downregulation in mediating AEG-1 function.

Experimental Design: IGFBP7 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in HCC tissue microarray and real-time PCR and ELISA in human HCC cell lines. Dual FISH was done to detect LOH at IGFBP7 locus. Stable IGFBP7-overexpressing clones were established in the background of AEG-1–overexpressing human HCC cells and were analyzed for in vitro proliferation and senescence and in vivo tumorigenesis and angiogenesis.

Results: IGFBP7 expression is significantly downregulated in human HCC samples and cell lines compared with normal liver and hepatocytes, respectively, and inversely correlates with the stages and grades of HCC. Genomic deletion of IGFBP7 was identified in 26% of patients with HCC. Forced overexpression of IGFBP7 in AEG-1–overexpressing HCC cells inhibited in vitro growth and induced senescence, and profoundly suppressed in vivo growth in nude mice that might be an end result of inhibition of angiogenesis by IGFBP7.

Conclusion: The present findings provide evidence that IGFBP7 functions as a novel putative tumor suppressor for HCC and establish the corollary that IGFBP7 downregulation can effectively modify AEG-1 function. Accordingly, targeted overexpression of IGFBP7 might be a potential novel therapy for HCC. Clin Cancer Res; 17(21); 6693–701. ©2011 AACR.
Expression of NLRR3 Orphan Receptor Gene Is Negatively Regulated by MYCN and Miz-1, and Its Downregulation Is Associated with Unfavorable Outcome in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Akter Jesmin , Takatori Atsushi , Hossain Md. Shamim , Ozaki Toshinori , Nakazawa Atsuko , Ohira Miki , Suenaga Yusuke , Nakagawara Akira
Published: September 2011

Purpose: Our previous study showed that expression of NLRR3 is significantly high in favorable neuroblastomas (NBL), whereas that of NLRR1 is significantly high in unfavorable NBLs. However, the molecular mechanism of transcriptional regulation of NLRR3 remains elusive. This study was undertaken to clarify the transcriptional regulation of NLRR3 and its association with the prognosis of NBL.

Experimental Design: NLRR3 and MYCN expressions in NBL cell lines were analyzed after induction of cell differentiation, MYCN knockdown, and overexpression. The transcriptional regulation of NLRR3 was analyzed by luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Quantitative PCR was used for examining the expression of NLRR3, Miz-1, or MYCN in 87 primary NBLs.

Results: The expression of NLRR3 mRNA was upregulated during differentiation of NBL cells induced by retinoic acid, accompanied with reduced expression of MYCN, suggesting that NLRR3 expression was inversely correlated with MYCN in differentiation. Indeed, knockdown of MYCN induced NLRR3 expression, whereas exogenously expressed MYCN reduced cellular NLRR3 expression. We found that Miz-1 was highly expressed in favorable NBLs and NLRR3 was induced by Miz-1 expression in NBL cells. MYCN and Miz-1 complexes bound to NLRR3 promoter and showed a negative regulation of NLRR3 expression. In addition, a combination of low expression of NLRR3 and high expression of MYCN was highly associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusions: NLRR3 is a direct target of MYCN, which associates with Miz-1 and negatively regulates NLRR3 expression. NLRR3 may play a role in NBL differentiation and the survival of NBL patients by inversely correlating with MYCN amplification. Clin Cancer Res; 17(21); 6681–92. ©2011 AACR.
Phase II Study of Oral Capsular 4-Hydroxyphenylretinamide (4-HPR/Fenretinide) in Pediatric Patients with Refractory or Recurrent Neuroblastoma: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Villablanca Judith G. , London Wendy B. , Naranjo Arlene , McGrady Patrick , Ames Matthew M. , Reid Joel M. , McGovern Renee M. , Buhrow Sarah A. , Jackson Hollie , Stranzinger Enno , Kitchen Brenda J. , Sondel Paul M. , Parisi Marguerite T. , Shulkin Barry , Yanik Gregory A. , Cohn Susan L. , Reynolds C. Patrick
Published: September 2011

Purpose: To determine the response rate to oral capsular fenretinide in children with recurrent or biopsy proven refractory high-risk neuroblastoma.

Experimental Design: Patients received 7 days of fenretinide: 2,475 mg/m2/d divided TID (<18 years) or 1,800 mg/m2/d divided BID (≥18 years) every 21 days for a maximum of 30 courses. Patients with stable or responding disease after course 30 could request additional compassionate courses. Best response by course 8 was evaluated in stratum 1 (measurable disease on CT/MRI ± bone marrow and/or MIBG avid sites) and stratum 2 (bone marrow and/or MIBG avid sites only).

Results: Sixty-two eligible patients, median age 5 years (range 0.6–19.9), were treated in stratum 1 (n = 38) and stratum 2 (n = 24). One partial response (PR) was seen in stratum 2 (n = 24 evaluable). No responses were seen in stratum 1 (n = 35 evaluable). Prolonged stable disease (SD) was seen in 7 patients in stratum 1 and 6 patients in stratum 2 for 4 to 45+ (median 15) courses. Median time to progression was 40 days (range 17–506) for stratum 1 and 48 days (range 17–892) for stratum 2. Mean 4-HPR steady-state trough plasma concentrations were 7.25 μmol/L (coefficient of variation 40–56%) at day 7 course 1. Toxicities were mild and reversible.

Conclusions: Although neither stratum met protocol criteria for efficacy, 1 PR + 13 prolonged SD occurred in 14/59 (24%) of evaluable patients. Low bioavailability may have limited fenretinide activity. Novel fenretinide formulations with improved bioavailability are currently in pediatric phase I studies. Clin Cancer Res; 17(21); 6858–66. ©2011 AACR.
Impact of Gender and Age on Cardiovascular Function Late After Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Sarikouch Samir , Koerperich Hermann , Dubowy Karl-Otto , Boethig Dietmar , Boettler Petra , Mir Thomas S. , Peters Brigitte , Kuehne Titus , Beerbaum Philipp ,   for the German Competence Network for Congenital Heart Defects Investigators
Published: September 2011

Background—

The impact of gender and age on cardiac function by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is unknown, which limits the value of currently discussed volumetric thresholds and the accuracy of individual follow-up.

Methods and Results—

In a nationwide, prospective, 14-center study, 407 consecutive patients with repaired TOF (age, 17.9±8.3 years; range, 8–59 years; 226 male patients) underwent standardized CMR ventricular volumetry and flow quantification (pulmonary artery/ascending aorta). There were no sex differences for age at TOF repair, type of repair, number of prior repair palliations or reinterventions after repair, pulmonary regurgitation fraction, and maximal gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract. Biventricular volumes and mass (indexed to body surface area), available in 380 of 407 patients, respectively, were higher in male patients (
P
<0.003), but biventricular ejection fraction was higher in female patients (
P
<0.012). As opposed to reported data of healthy populations, sex-specific reference percentiles computed for an age range of 8 to 40 years (lambda-mu-sigma method) demonstrated (1) an increase of end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular volumes, particularly in female patients; (2) an increase of end-systolic right ventricular volumes in both sexes; and (3) a decrease of biventricular ejection fraction in male patients, whereas in female patients, only right ventricular ejection fraction decreased.

Conclusions—

Significant gender differences of biventricular volumes, function, and mass by CMR exist late after repair of TOF, suggesting that age and gender cannot be ignored when discussing thresholds. Gender-specific percentiles may present a more relevant framework of reference for an individual patient at a given age and suggest a gradual decline of biventricular systolic function over time.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00266188.
Conceptual interplanetary space mission design using multi-objective evolutionary optimization and design grammars
Authors: Weber A , Fasoulas S , Wolf K
Published: September 2011

Conceptual design optimization (CDO) is a technique proposed for the structured evaluation of different design concepts. Design grammars provide a flexible modular modelling architecture. The model is generated by a compiler based on predefined components and rules. The rules describe the composition of the model; thus, different models can be optimized by the CDO in one run. This allows considering a mission design including the mission analysis and the system design. The combination of a CDO approach with a model based on design grammars is shown for the concept study of a near-Earth asteroid mission. The mission objective is to investigate two asteroids of different kinds. The CDO reveals that a mission concept using two identical spacecrafts flying to one target each is better than a mission concept with one spacecraft flying to two asteroids consecutively.
Genome-wide expression assay comparison across frozen and fixed postmortem brain tissue samples
Authors: Chow Maggie L , Li Hai-Ri , Winn Mary E , April Craig , Barnes Cynthia C , Wynshaw-Boris Anthony , Fan Jian-Bing , Fu Xiang-Dong , Courchesne Eric , Schork Nicholas J
Published: September 2011

Background

Gene expression assays have been shown to yield high quality genome-wide data from partially degraded RNA samples. However, these methods have not yet been applied to postmortem human brain tissue, despite their potential to overcome poor RNA quality and other technical limitations inherent in many assays. We compared cDNA-mediated annealing, selection, and ligation (DASL)- and in vitro transcription (IVT)-based genome-wide expression profiling assays on RNA samples from artificially degraded reference pools, frozen brain tissue, and formalin-fixed brain tissue.

Results

The DASL-based platform produced expression results of greater reliability than the IVT-based platform in artificially degraded reference brain RNA and RNA from frozen tissue-based samples. Although data associated with a small sample of formalin-fixed RNA samples were poor when obtained from both assays, the DASL-based platform exhibited greater reliability in a subset of probes and samples.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the DASL-based gene expression-profiling platform may confer some advantages on mRNA assays of the brain over traditional IVT-based methods. We ultimately consider the implications of these results on investigations of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Effects of calcium channel blockers on glucose tolerance, inflammatory state, and circulating progenitor cells in non-diabetic patients with essential hypertension: a comparative study between Azelnidipine and amlodipine on Glucose tolerance and ENdothelial function - a crossover Trial (AGENT)
Authors: Fukao Kosuke , Shimada Kazunori , Hiki Makoto , Kiyanagi Takashi , Hirose Kuniaki , Kume Atsumi , Ohsaka Hiromichi , Matsumori Rie , Kurata Takeshi , Miyazaki Tetsuro , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: September 2011

Background

Hypertension is associated with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Medical treatment that interferes with various steps in the renin-angiotensin system improves glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. However, it remains unclear if long-acting calcium channel blockers (CCBs) such as azelnidipine and amlodipine affect glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in clinical practice.

Methods

Seventeen non-diabetic patients with essential hypertension who had controlled blood pressure levels using amlodipine (5 mg/day) were enrolled in this study. After randomization, either azelnidipine (16 mg/day) or amlodipine (5 mg/day) was administered in a crossover design for 12-weeks. At baseline and the end of each CCB therapy, samples of blood and urine were collected and 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. In addition, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) were measured at each point by flow cytometry and endothelial functions were measured by fingertip pulse amplitude tonometry using EndoPAT.

Results

Although blood pressure levels were identical after each CCB treatment, the heart rate significantly decreased after azelnidipine administration than that after amlodipine administration (P < 0.005). Compared with amlodipine administration, azelnidipine significantly decreased levels of glucose and insulin 120 min after the 75 g OGTT (both P < 0.05). Serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0.067) and interleukin-6 (P = 0.035) were decreased. Although endothelial functions were not different between the two medication groups, the number of circulating HPCs was significantly increased after azelnidipine administration (P = 0.016).

Conclusions

These results suggest that azelnidipine treatment may have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, the inflammatory state, and number of circulating progenitor cells in non-diabetic patients with essential hypertension.
Instrumented large scale subsurface liquid injection model for bioreactor landfills
Authors: Mukherjee Moumita , Khire Milind V.
Published: September 2011

Bioreactor landfills are complex unsaturated systems where liquids are injected at relatively high pressures in on/off dosing cycles. In order to simulate hydraulic scenarios to improve understanding of leachate recirculation systems for landfills, 86 cm long by 30 cm wide by 56 cm tall unsaturated flow physical model was designed and fabricated. A permeable blanket was installed in the model to inject water. The blanket was 50 cm long × 30 cm wide × 2 cm thick and was made up of pea gravel. Uniform fine and coarse sands, which were thoroughly characterized for their hydraulic properties, were used in separate experiments to simulate waste. Pressure transducers and water content sensors were embedded in the model to monitor the migration of injected water in the blanket and in the underlying soils. Water was injected at flow rates ranging from 20 to 150 cm3/s in continuous and on/off modes to achieve transient and steady-state conditions. The responses of the pressure transducers embedded in the blanket in the model mimicked the responses of the pressure sensors embedded in an instrumented field-scale (55 m long × 9 m wide × 0.15 m thick) permeable blanket made up of crushed recycled glass used for recirculation of leachate at a municipal solid waste landfill. The effect of entrapped air present in the voids was evident from greater pressures developed during wetting which dissipated as the entrapped air escaped the system. This finding highlights the need to use of dual phase models for simulating pressures in bioreactor landfills.