bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving Care and Social Justice for People With Dementia
Authors: Barnes Marian , Brannelly Tula
Published: April 2008

This article draws on two studies that have used an ethic of care analysis to explore lay, nursing and social work care for people with dementia. It discusses the political as well as the practice application of ethic of care principles and highlights the necessity to understand both what people do and the meanings with which such practices are imbued in order to identify `good care' and the relationship between this and social justice. Examples of care for people with dementia are discussed by reference to core principles of an ethic of care: attentiveness, responsibility, competence, responsiveness and trust. These illustrate the potential for the development of a shared language within which different disciplines, lay carers and people with dementia can communicate about how needs could best be met in complex and difficult circumstances.
Learning, Decisions and Transformation in Critical Care Nursing Practice
Authors: Hough M Catherine
Published: April 2008

Critical care nurses are key providers in a high acuity environment. This qualitative research study explored ethical decision making in a critical care practice setting. Fifteen critical care nurses with varying experience and education levels were purposively sampled to assure the representativeness of the data. The theoretical concepts of experiential learning, perspective transformation, reflection-in-action and principle-based ethics were used as a framework for eliciting information from the participants. A new model of focused reflection in ethical decision making was developed. Findings showed that having a role model or mentor to help guide the ethical decision-making process was critical for focused ethical discourse and the decision making.
Walking the High Wire
Authors: McNamara Madeleine W. , Morris John C.
Published: April 2008

Practitioners often face the challenge of structuring privatized arrangements to best deliver public services. Despite the literature's focus on contracting, there are 10 different service arrangements that can be used to deliver services. Each arrangement balances the strengths of the public and private sectors in different ways. Selecting one of these arrangements for a specific situation can be challenging, and practitioners must understand what they gain and lose with each arrangement. This article proposes a typology of service arrangements based on the dimensions of accountability and competition. Practitioners can use this tool to structure privatized arrangements that best maximize the values of accountability and competition within a particular situation.
The Fiscalization of Land Use
Authors: Chapman Jeffrey I.
Published: April 2008

The fiscalization of land use—the use of land use planning and development to encourage revenue production as a first-order goal became important in the United States antitax environment of the 1980s. This article applies an application of this outlook to ways of financing public infrastructure. The article presents 17 different techniques beyond more intensive use and cash financing that help to avoid the economic and political constraints imposed by voters. These techniques illustrate the public finance creativity that the fiscalization concept engenders. Nearly all of these techniques employ debt finance instruments that do not need voter approval, and consequently, many are convoluted, arcane, and more expensive than vanilla debt issues. The article closes by discussing unintended consequences and problems.
Highway Tolling Has Entered the Mainstream
Authors: Orski C. Kenneth
Published: April 2008

Highway tolling, an idea that lay dormant for many years, suddenly appears to be catching on. A combination of factors has helped to propel highway tolling into the mainstream. Growing transportation budget shortfalls have been keeping the tolling option front and center before governors, state legislatures, and state transportation officials. The U.S. Department of Transportation has been actively encouraging this posture. Private capital markets, especially institutional investors with long-term investment horizons such as pension funds, have discovered transportation infrastructure to be an attractive investment opportunity. In a May 2003 article titled “It's Time to Take a Fresh Look at Highway Tolls,” this author speculated that tolls may assume a dominant role in the funding of new highway capacity, perhaps as early as the next decade. Five years later, that prediction is still on the mark.
Challenges Facing Municipal Wastewater Treatment in Mexico
Authors: de Anda Jose , Shear Harvey
Published: April 2008

Globally, more than 1 billion people lack access to a safe water supply, and more than 2.4 billion people lack access to proper wastewater treatment. This situation leads to repeated outbreaks of preventable diseases. In 2005 in Mexico, only 28.2% of municipal wastewaters received any kind of treatment. This article examines the present and projected situation with respect to wastewater treatment and the implications of these trends on water supply and on public health. Possible technical solutions are also analyzed so that the country can increase the ratio between treated and discharged municipal wastewaters.
Working With Pluralism
Authors: Easterby-Smith Mark , Golden-Biddle Karen , Locke Karen
Published: April 2008

This Feature Topic contains four articles that address the determination of quality in qualitative research by exploring the use of criteria from the perspective of reviewers, editors, and/ or authors. In this introductory article, the authors assert that these explorations represent an important move away from employing listings of static criteria to adjudicate and develop qualitative research. In its place, we see the making of quality as situated in methodological pluralism that occurs both in comparison with quantitative research and also within qualitative research. This fact complicates and enriches the task of determining quality and also suggests ways forward for the academic community.
Designing a Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Web Site for Latinos: Qualitative Community Feedback
Authors: Padilla Ricardo , Bull Sheana , Raghunath Silvia G. , Fernald Douglas , Havranek Edward P. , Steiner John F.
Published: April 2008

Latinos are the largest minority group in the United States, yet there is currently a lack of Web sites that focus on Latino health. This article shares qualitative research results obtained from Latinos, with a focus on creating a culturally sensitive, bilingual, interactive, computer-based cardiovascular disease risk assessment and behavioral goal-setting program. This project is a substudy of the Latinos Using Cardio Health Actions to Reduce Risk (LUCHAR) grant, a 5-year trial, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, whose primary aim is the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in Latinos. Ten focus groups, five in English and five in Spanish, were conducted at six community sites with trained, bilingual facilitators in Denver, Colorado. Results from the focus groups are used to make recommendations on how to develop a culturally sensitive cardiovascular health care Web site for Latinos.
The reactivity of Bw4+ HLA-B and HLA-A alleles with KIR3DL1: implications for patient and donor suitability for haploidentical stem cell transplantations
Authors: Foley Bree A. , Santis Dianne De , Van Beelen Els , Lathbury Louise J. , Christiansen Frank T. , Witt Campbell S.
Published: April 2008

Natural killer (NK)–cell alloreactivity can be exploited in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). NK cells from donors whose HLA type includes Bw4, a public epitope present on a subset of HLA-B alleles, can be alloreactive toward recipients whose cells lack Bw4. Serologically detectable epitopes related to Bw4 also exist on a subset of HLA-A alleles, but the interaction of these alleles with KIR3DL1 is controversial. We therefore undertook a systematic analysis of the ability of most common HLA-B alleles and HLA-A alleles with Bw4 serologic reactivity to protect target cells from lysis by KIR3DL1-dependent NK cells. All Bw4− HLA-B alleles failed to protect target cells from lysis. All Bw4+ HLA-B alleles with the exception of HLA-B*1301 and -B*1302 protected targets from lysis. HLA-A*2402 and HLA-A*3201 unequivocally protected target cells from lysis, whereas HLA-A*2501 and HLA-A*2301 provided only weak protection from lysis. KIR3DL1-dependent alloreactive NK clones were identified in donors with HLA-A*2402 but not in donors with HLA-B*1301 or -B*1302. These findings clarify the HLA types that donors and recipients need in haploidentical HSCT and other NK allotherapies in order to benefit from NK alloreactivity.
Systemic inflammation, genetic susceptibility and lung function
Authors: Sunyer J. , Pistelli R. , Plana E. , Andreani M. , Baldari F. , Kolz M. , Koenig W. , Pekkanen J. , Peters A. , Forastiere F.
Published: April 2008

Local inflammation in airway diseases is well recognised, but less is known about the association between low-grade systemic inflammatory processes and lung function. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between inflammatory markers and lung function, taking into account polymorphisms in genes coding for inflammatory markers.

In 134 post-myocardial infarction patients, six repeated measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6 and fibrinogen in peripheral blood were assayed using high-sensitivity tests. Spirometry was conducted at baseline. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms was performed in genes coding for the inflammatory markers.

CRP and IL-6 levels were negatively associated with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and mean forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of FVC (FEF25–75%). In theCRPgene, both the polymorphism rs1205 and the haplotype 2 showed a protective association with FEV1and FEF25–75%, and, to a lesser extent, with FVC. rs1205 and haplotype 2 were both negatively associated with CRP levels in peripheral blood. Analysis with instrumental variables also showed a protective effect between theseCRPgene polymorphisms and lung function.

Results are very suggestive that heritability of lung function is at least partly controlled by theCRPgene. Applying a Mendelian randomisation approach, the study supports a causal association between low-grade general inflammation and airway diseases.
Slow breathing reduces sympathoexcitation in COPD
Authors: Raupach T. , Bahr F. , Herrmann P. , Luethje L. , Heusser K. , Hasenfuß G. , Bernardi L. , Andreas S.
Published: April 2008

Neurohumoral activation has been shown to be present in hypoxic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aims of the present study were to investigate whether there is sympathetic activation in COPD patients in the absence of hypoxia and whether slow breathing has an impact on sympathoexcitation and baroreflex sensitivity.

Efferent muscle sympathetic nerve activity, blood pressure, cardiac frequency and respiratory movements were continuously measured in 15 COPD patients and 15 healthy control subjects. Baroreflex sensitivity was analysed by autoregressive spectral analysis and the alpha-angle method.

At baseline, sympathetic nerve activity was significantly elevated in COPD patients and baroreflex sensitivity was decreased (5.0±0.6versus8.9±0.8 ms·mmHg−1). Breathing at a rate of 6 breaths·min−1caused sympathetic activity to drop significantly in COPD patients (from 61.3±4.6 to 53.0±4.3 bursts per 100 heartbeats) but not in control subjects (39.2±3.2versus37.5±3.3 bursts per 100 heartbeats). In both groups, slow breathing significantly enhanced baroreflex sensitivity.

In conclusion, sympathovagal imbalance is present in normoxic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. The possibility of modifying these changes by slow breathing may help to better understand and influence this systemic disease.
Functional single nucleotide polymorphisms of theCCL5gene and nonemphysematous phenotype in COPD patients
Authors: Hizawa N. , Makita H. , Nasuhara Y. , Hasegawa M. , Nagai K. , Ito Y. , Betsuyaku T. , Konno S. , Nishimura M. ,   the Hokkaido COPD Cohort Study Group
Published: April 2008

It was previously reported that the gain-of-function -28 guanine allele of the promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; cytosine to guanine substitution of nucleotide -28 (-28C>G)) in the CC chemokine ligand 5 gene (CCL5) was associated with susceptibility to late-onset asthma in patients who developed asthma at age ≥40 yrs. The clinical diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes emphysema and small airway disease, and upregulation of CCL5 has been described in the airways of patients with COPD. It was hypothesised thatCCL5has a genetic impact upon the variable expression of emphysema in patients with COPD.

Patients with COPD were studied (n = 267). All of the patients underwent pulmonary high-resolution computed tomography (CT), and visual scoring (CT score) was performed to determine emphysema severity. Three SNPs ofCCL5were genotyped, including -403G>A, -28C>G and 375T>C.

A significant difference was found in CT score according toCCL5genotype; the -28G allele was inversely associated with CT score. When the analysis was confined to 180 patients with bronchial reversibility of <15%, even stronger evidence for this association was noted.

Functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CC chemokine ligand 5 gene were associated with milder emphysema. Together with previous findings, the present study may identify the CC chemokine ligand 5 gene as part of a common pathway in the pathogenesis of late-onset asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with milder emphysema.
Emphysema in young adult survivors of moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Wong P. M. , Lees A. N. , Louw J. , Lee F. Y. , French N. , Gain K. , Murray C. P. , Wilson A. , Chambers D. C.
Published: April 2008

Improved survival following extreme preterm birth complicated by bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is resulting in an increasing number of affected infants surviving to adulthood. The aim of the present pilot study was to describe the functional and structural pulmonary sequelae of moderate and severe BPD in a population of adult survivors.

All babies were cared for at one institution (King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, Australia). Subjects born between 1980 and 1987 with birthweight <1,500 g and requiring supplementary oxygen at 36 weeks post-menstrual age were identified from a complete neonatal database and recruited prospectively. Local physicians were concurrently asked to refer suitable patients. Demographics, respiratory symptoms and examination results, pulmonary function tests and computed tomography images were acquired.

In total, 21 subjects were studied. Of these, 12 were female, the median (range) age was 19 (17–33) yrs and 15 (71%) had persistent respiratory symptoms. The median (range) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) z-score was -0.77 (-8.20–1.37), the forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity was -1.81 (-6.00–0.75) and the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide was -5.04 (-13.17– -1.24). Computed tomography was carried out on 19 subjects and all had abnormal findings, with emphysema being the most common, present in 84% of subjects. The extent of radiological emphysema was inversely related to the FEV1z-score.

Young adult survivors of moderate and severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia may be left with residual functional and characteristic structural pulmonary abnormalities, most notably emphysema.
TNFA-308G>A in two international population-based cohorts and risk of asthma
Authors: Castro-Giner F. , Kogevinas M. , Mächler M. , de Cid R. , Van Steen K. , Imboden M. , Schindler C. , Berger W. , Gonzalez J. R. , Franklin K. A. , Janson C. , Jarvis D. , Omenaas E. , Burney P. , Rochat T. , Estivill X. , Antó J. M. , Wjst M. , Probst-Hensch N. M.
Published: April 2008

Genetic association studies have related the tumour necrosis factor-α gene (TNFA) guanine to adenine substitution of nucleotide -308 (-308G>A) polymorphism to increased risk of asthma, but results are inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to test whether two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, ofTNFAand of the lymphotoxin-α gene (LTA), are associated with asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopy in adults, by combining the results of two large population-based multicentric studies and conducting a meta-analysis of previously published studies.

The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) and Swiss Cohort Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Diseases in Adults (SAPALDIA) used comparable protocols, including questionnaires for respiratory symptoms and measures of lung function and atopy. DNA samples from 11,136 participants were genotyped atTNFA-308 andLTA252. Logistic regression employing fixed and random effects models and nonparametric techniques were used.

The prevalence of asthma was 6%. TheTNFA-308G>A polymorphism was associated with increased asthma prevalence and with bronchial hyperresponsiveness. No consistent association was found for atopy. TheLTA252A>G polymorphism was not associated with any of the outcomes. A meta-analysis of 17 studies showed an increased asthma risk for theTNFA-308 adenine allele.

The tumour necrosis factor-α gene nucleotide -308 polymorphism is associated with a moderately increased risk of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, but not with atopy. These results are supported by a meta-analysis of previously published studies.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs upregulate function of wild-type and mutant CFTR
Authors: Li J. , Xiang Y-Y. , Ye L. , Tsui L-C. , MacDonald J. F. , Hu J. , Lu W-Y.
Published: April 2008

Small-scale clinical trials show that treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, improves the symptoms of CF and slows down the decline of lung function. Paradoxically, ibuprofen inhibits ligand-stimulated CF transmembrance conductance regulator (CFTR) activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ibuprofen on CFTR function under different conditions.

Patch-clamp recordings were performed in two lines of human airway epithelial cells: IB3-8-3-7 cells, which express wild-type CFTR; and IB3-1 cells, which express the variant CFTR with deletion of phenylalanine 580 (ΔF580CFTR).

Addition of ibuprofen to the extracellular solution caused a rapid inhibition of CFTR activity in IB3-8-3-7 cells in the presence of a high intracellular concentration of cAMP, whereas ibuprofen enhanced the CFTR conductance at low levels of cAMP. Introducing ibuprofen into the interior of cells occluded the enhancing effect of ibuprofen. Notably, the variant CFTR-mediated conductance was detected in IB3-1 cells treated with myoinositol and was enhanced by ibuprofen at endogenous levels of cAMP.

In summary, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase the function of both wild-type cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and the phenylalanine 580 deletion in cultured human airway epithelial cells at endogenous levels of cAMP.
Outbreak of haemolytic uraemic syndrome in Norway caused by stx
2-positive Escherichia coliO103:H25 traced to cured mutton sausages
Authors: Schimmer Barbara , Nygard Karin , Eriksen Hanne-Merete , Lassen Jørgen , Lindstedt Bjørn-Arne , Brandal Lin T , Kapperud Georg , Aavitsland Preben
Published: April 2008

Background

On 20–21 February 2006, six cases of diarrhoea-associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) were reported by paediatricians to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. We initiated an investigation to identify the etiologic agent and determine the source of the outbreak in order to implement control measures.

Methods

A case was defined as a child with diarrhoea-associated HUS or any person with an infection with the outbreak strain of E. coli O103 (defined by the multi-locus variable number tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) profile) both with illness onset after January 1st 2006 in Norway. After initial hypotheses-generating interviews, we performed a case-control study with the first fifteen cases and three controls for each case matched by age, sex and municipality. Suspected food items were sampled, and any E. coli O103 strains were typed by MLVA.

Results

Between 20 February and 6 April 2006, 17 cases were identified, of which 10 children developed HUS, including one fatal case. After pilot interviews, a matched case-control study was performed indicating an association between a traditional cured sausage (odds ratio 19.4 (95% CI: 2.4–156)) and STEC infection. E. coli O103:H25 identical to the outbreak strain defined by MLVA profile was found in the product and traced back to contaminated mutton.

Conclusion

We report an outbreak caused by a rare STEC variant (O103:H25, stx
2-positive). More than half of the diagnosed patients developed HUS, indicating that the causative organism is particularly virulent. Small ruminants continue to be important reservoirs for human-pathogen STEC. Improved slaughtering hygiene and good manufacturing practices for cured sausage products are needed to minimise the possibility of STEC surviving through the entire sausage production process.
A school-based randomized controlled trial to improve physical activity among Iranian high school girls
Authors: Taymoori Parvaneh , Niknami Shamsaddin , Berry Tanya , Lubans David , Ghofranipour Fazloalha , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan
Published: April 2008

Background

Physical activity (PA) rates decline precipitously during the high school years and are consistently lower among adolescent girls than adolescent boys. Due to cultural barriers, this problem might be exacerbated in female Iranian adolescents. However, little intervention research has been conducted to try to increase PA participation rates with this population. Because PA interventions in schools have the potential to reach many children and adolescents, this study reports on PA intervention research conducted in all-female Iranian high schools.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of two six-month tailored interventions on potential determinants of PA and PA behavior. Students (N = 161) were randomly allocated to one of three conditions: an intervention based on Pender's Health Promotion model (HP), an intervention based on an integration of the health promotion model and selected constructs from the Transtheoretical model (THP), and a control group (CON). Measures were administered prior to the intervention, at post-intervention and at a six-month follow-up.

Results

Repeated measure ANOVAs showed a significant interaction between group and time for perceived benefits, self efficacy, interpersonal norms, social support, behavioral processes, and PA behavior, indicating that both intervention groups significantly improved across the 24-week intervention, whereas the control group did not. Participants in the THP group showed greater use of counter conditioning and stimulus control at post-intervention and at follow-up. While there were no significant differences in PA between the HP and CON groups at follow-up, a significant difference was still found between the THP and the CON group.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence of the effectiveness of a PA intervention based on Pender's HP model combined with selected aspects of the TTM on potential determinants to increase PA among Iranian high school girls.
Caffeine blocks disruption of blood brain barrier in a rabbit model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chen Xuesong , Gawryluk Jeremy W , Wagener John F , Ghribi Othman , Geiger Jonathan D
Published: April 2008

High levels of serum cholesterol and disruptions of the blood brain barrier (BBB) have all been implicated as underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Results from studies conducted in animals and humans suggest that caffeine might be protective against Alzheimer's disease but by poorly understood mechanisms. Using rabbits fed a cholesterol-enriched diet, we tested our hypothesis that chronic ingestion of caffeine protects against high cholesterol diet-induced disruptions of the BBB. New Zealand rabbits were fed a 2% cholesterol-enriched diet, and 3 mg caffeine was administered daily in drinking water for 12 weeks. Total cholesterol and caffeine concentrations from blood were measured. Olfactory bulbs (and for some studies hippocampus and cerebral cortex as well) were evaluated for BBB leakage, BBB tight junction protein expression levels, activation of astrocytes, and microglia density using histological, immunostaining and immunoblotting techniques. We found that caffeine blocked high cholesterol diet-induced increases in extravasation of IgG and fibrinogen, increases in leakage of Evan's blue dye, decreases in levels of the tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1, increases in astrocytes activation and microglia density where IgG extravasation was present. Chronic ingestion of caffeine protects against high cholesterol diet-induced increases in disruptions of the BBB, and caffeine and drugs similar to caffeine might be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Validation and extension of an empirical Bayes method for SNP calling on Affymetrix microarrays
Authors: Lin Shin , Carvalho Benilton , Cutler David J , Arking Dan E , Chakravarti Aravinda , Irizarry Rafael A
Published: April 2008

Multiple algorithms have been developed for the purpose of calling single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from Affymetrix microarrays. We extend and validate the algorithm CRLMM, which incorporates HapMap information within an empirical Bayes framework. We find CRLMM to be more accurate than the Affymetrix default programs (BRLMM and Birdseed). Also, we tie our call confidence metric to percent accuracy. We intend that our validation datasets and methods, refered to as SNPaffycomp, serve as standard benchmarks for future SNP calling algorithms.
Functions of Normal and Malignant Prostatic Stem/Progenitor Cells in Tissue Regeneration and Cancer Progression and Novel Targeting Therapies
Authors: Mimeault Murielle , Mehta Parmender P. , Hauke Ralph , Batra Surinder K.
Published: April 2008

This review summarizes the recent advancements that have improved our understanding of the functions of prostatic stem/progenitor cells in maintaining homeostasis of the prostate gland. We also describe the oncogenic events that may contribute to their malignant transformation into prostatic cancer stem/progenitor cells during cancer initiation and progression to metastatic disease stages. The molecular mechanisms that may contribute to the intrinsic or the acquisition of a resistant phenotype by the prostatic cancer stem/progenitor cells and their differentiated progenies with a luminal phenotype to the current therapies and disease relapse are also reviewed. The emphasis is on the critical functions of distinct tumorigenic signaling cascades induced through the epidermal growth factor system, hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, and/or stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXC chemokine receptor-4 pathways as well as the deregulated apoptotic signaling elements and ATP-binding cassette multidrug transporter. Of particular therapeutic interest, we also discuss the potential beneficial effects associated with the targeting of these signaling elements to overcome the resistance to current treatments and prostate cancer recurrence. The combined targeted strategies toward distinct oncogenic signaling cascades in prostatic cancer stem/progenitor cells and their progenies as well as their local microenvironment, which could improve the efficacy of current clinical chemotherapeutic treatments against incurable, androgen-independent, and metastatic prostate cancers, are also described.
Tbx2b is required for the development of the parapineal organ
Authors: Snelson Corey D. , Santhakumar Kirankumar , Halpern Marnie E. , Gamse Joshua T.
Published: April 2008

Structural differences between the left and right sides of the brain exist throughout the vertebrate lineage. By studying the zebrafish pineal complex,which exhibits notable asymmetries, both the genes and the cell movements that result in left-right differences can be characterized. The pineal complex consists of the midline pineal organ and the left-sided parapineal organ. The parapineal is responsible for instructing the asymmetric architecture of the bilateral habenulae, the brain nuclei that flank the pineal complex. Using in vivo time-lapse confocal microscopy, we find that the cells that form the parapineal organ migrate as a cluster of cells from the pineal complex anlage to the left side of the brain. In a screen for mutations that disrupted brain laterality, we identified a nonsense mutation in the T-box2b(tbx2b) gene, which encodes a transcription factor expressed in the pineal complex anlage. The tbx2b mutant makes fewer parapineal cells,and they remain as individuals near the midline rather than migrating leftward as a group. The reduced number and incorrect placement of parapineal cells result in symmetric development of the adjacent habenular nuclei. We conclude that tbx2b functions to specify the correct number of parapineal cells and to regulate their asymmetric migration.
Ypt1p is essential for retrograde Golgi-ER transport and for Golgi maintenance in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Kamena Faustin , Diefenbacher Melanie , Kilchert Cornelia , Schwarz Heinz , Spang Anne
Published: April 2008

The small GTPase Ypt1p of the Rab family is required for docking of ER-derived transport vesicles with the Golgi prior to fusion. However, the identity of the Rab protein that mediates docking of Golgi-derived COPI vesicles with the ER in retrograde transport remains elusive. Here, we show that in yeast Ypt1p is essential for retrograde transport from the Golgi to the ER. Retrieval of gpαF-HDEL (glycolylated pro-α-factor with an HDEL tag at the C-terminus) was blocked in Δypt1/SLY1-20 membranes at the restrictive temperature in vitro. Moreover, Ypt1p and the ER-resident t-SNARE Ufe1p interact genetically and biochemically, indicating a role for Ypt1p in consumption of COPI vesicles at the ER. Ypt1p is also essential for the maintenance of the morphology and the protein composition of the Golgi. Interestingly, the concentrations of the Golgi enzymes Anp1p and Mnn1p, the cargo protein Emp47p and the v-SNARE Sec22p were all substantially reduced in Golgi from a Δypt1/SLY1-20 strain as compared with wild-type Golgi, while the concentration of Arf1p and of coatomer were mildly affected. Finally, COPI vesicles generated from Δypt1/SLY1-20 Golgi membranes in vitro were depleted of Emp47p and Sec22p. These data demonstrate that Ypt1p plays an essential role in retrograde transport from the Golgi to the ER.
Recycling of IRAP from the plasma membrane back to the insulin-responsive compartment requires the Q-SNARE syntaxin 6 but not the GGA clathrin adaptors
Authors: Watson Robert T. , Pessin Jeffrey E.
Published: April 2008

Insulin recruits two transmembrane proteins, GLUT4 and IRAP, to the plasma membrane of muscle cells and adipocytes. The subcellular trafficking and localization of GLUT4, and to a lesser extent IRAP, have been intensely studied, yet the molecular mechanisms responsible for their insulin-responsive compartmentalization remain unknown. Herein we have investigated the endocytosis and recycling of IRAP from the cell surface back to the insulin-responsive compartment (IRC). Our results show that a key dileucine motif at position 76,77 (LL76,77), although required for the initial biosynthetic entry of IRAP into the IRC, is dispensable for entry into the IRC via the endosomal system. Indeed, we found that an AA76,77 mutant of IRAP is fully capable of undergoing endocytosis and is correctly routed back to the IRC. To verify that the AA76,77 mutant enters the bona fide IRC, we show that the internalized IRAP-AA76,77 construct is sequestered in an IRC that is insensitive to brefeldin A yet sensitive to a dominant-interfering mutant of AS160 (AS160-4P). In addition, we show that the GGA clathrin adaptors are not required for the re-entry of IRAP from the cell surface back into the IRC, whereas the Q-SNARE syntaxin 6 is required for this process.
Thermoviscoplastic modelling of drilling: Twist drills
Authors: Nayebi A , Vaghefpour H
Published: April 2008

In this paper, a viscoplastic material model is proposed for drilling of metals. An analytical model is developed for predicting thrust force and torque in drilling with a twist drill. The thermomechanical properties are taken into consideration to describe the material flow in the primary shear zone and at the element—chip interface. The Johnson—Cook model is used. A temperature friction law is introduced. The approach is based on representing the cutting forces along the cutting lips as a series of oblique elements. Similarly, cutting in the chisel region is treated as orthogonal cutting with different speeds depending on the radial location. The section forces obtained by the model are combined to determine the overall thrust force and drilling torque. The results of the model are compared with the experimental results obtained by Bagci and Ozcelik in 2006 on Al 7075-T651.
Experimental investigations on electrochemical honing
Authors: Dubey A K
Published: April 2008

Electrochemical honing (ECH) is an electrolytic precision mircofinsihing technology based on the hybridization of the electrochemical machining and conventional honing process principles to provide the controlled functional surface generation and fast material removal capabilities in a single action. This paper presents the distinctive findings of comprehensive experimental investigations designed to explore the influence of key ECH process parameters on the work surface microgeometrical, part-macrogeometrical, and material removal aspects. The current intensity, electrolyte concentration, stick-out pressure, and stick grit size are found to be the major players in the process. Interactions between current intensity, electrolyte concentration, and speed ratio play a vital role, specifically for macrogeometrical performance. Proper electrolyte composition and stick grit-size selections and a distinct coordination of electrolytic dissolution and mechanical scrubbing are crucial for the optimal performance. Work surface characterization reveals a nano-finished plateau-honed work surface featured with a uniform roughness value, impressive surface characteristic parameters, no trace of cold-worked material, or any adverse effect of the process. This, accompanied with precise part macro- geometry, can result in an unexcelled tribological performance of the components. Key features of an ECH set-up that was designed and developed incorporating several unique features are also highlighted.
Modelling of angular distortion of double-pass butt-welded plate
Authors: Mahapatra M M , Datta G L , Pradhan B , Mandal N R
Published: April 2008

Adequate top and bottom side weld reinforcements are important for single-side submerged arc welded butt joints as the shrinkage forces generated due to the solidification of top side weld reinforcements and bottom side weld reinforcements can cancel out each other to minimize angular distortions. In the present investigation it was experimentally established during submerged arc welding (SAW) that by using proper process parameters adequate bottom and required top weld reinforcements could be obtained by using two welding passes for 12 mm thick square butt joints. During the experimental investigation the first pass of welding was used for adequate bottom reinforcement and for filling up the root gap. The second welding pass was used to achieve the required top reinforcement. The first pass weld acted like a restraint to angular distortion induced due to the weld of the second pass. The process was modelled using three-dimensional finite element analysis considering a distributed moving heat source, reinforcements, filler material deposition in each pass of welding, and temperature- dependent material properties.
Thermal plasma-sintered Ti-doped Al—Zr oxide composites: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies
Authors: Ray M , Mishra D K , Verma S , Roul B K
Published: April 2008

Ti-doped Al—Zr oxide composites (Zr1− x–Al1+ x–Ti x–O y with x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15) were sintered to high density end products by an extended arc DC thermal plasma heating technique within a short sintering time as compared with a conventional long range resistive heating schedule. Thermal plasma-sintered samples showed conducting behaviour at room temperature whereas conventional-sintered samples became highly resistive. Specimens were analysed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Electron Probe Micro Analyzer studies. Higher binding energy of Zr 3d lines in a plasma-sintered sample showed that ZrO2 has strongly reacted with TiO2, thereby enhancing the possibility of ZrTiO4 phase formation. The increase in Al 2p binding energy for a conventional-sintered sample indicated the reaction of Al2O3 with TiO2, which was likely to enhance Al2TiO5 phase formation. XRD and scanning electron microscope analysis along with density studies corroborated this finding. The existence of elemental Ti at 453.3 eV and the presence of TiC at 455.2 eV were found to be responsible for conducting behaviour of plasma-sintered composites.
Robust optimum designs of fibre-reinforced composites with design-variable and non-design-variable uncertainties
Authors: Liao Y-S , Chiou C-Y.
Published: April 2008

An innovative optimum design method of fibre-reinforced composite considering both design-variable and non-design-variable uncertainties is proposed in this article. By including the sensitivities and uncertainties in the modified constraints, a robust optimum design problem is formulated, which takes care the effects of non-design-variable and design-variable uncertainties by a maximizing procedure. The optimization and anti-optimization subproblems are both numerically solved in traditional anti-optimization technique. The anti-optimization subproblem is analytically solved in the proposed method hence it is more efficient in computing time than traditional anti-optimization technique. The accuracy of the proposed method was verified by examples having analytical solution. Besides design-variable uncertainties such as ply orientation and ply thickness uncertainties, the effects of non-design-variable uncertainties such as material property uncertainties on optimal weight of composite plate were studied in the illustrated examples. It is found that the optimal weight increases with uncertainties and the thermal buckling and stress concentration problems have the most significant effects of uncertainties among the studied examples.
Thermal analysis of electron-beam physical vapour deposited thermal barrier coated super-alloy tensile specimens
Authors: Hermosilla U. , Hyde T. H. , Jones I A.
Published: April 2008

The thermal behaviour during high temperature creep tests of Ni-based super-alloy specimens with electron-beam physical vapour deposited thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) applied for thermal and corrosion protection is studied. Finite-element models were used to model the thermal transients and steady state phases of the creep tests. The thermal stabilization time was estimated to be between 0.5 and 3 h. The temperature gradients within TBCs, under testing conditions, were found to be negligible.
Is there Such a thing as a ‘Healthy Occlusion'? Lessons from History
Authors: Presswood Ronald G , Toy Andrew
Published: April 2008

Opinions on occlusion and its link to oral health could not be more diverse. These opinions are used as justification for an equally diverse range of treatments for so-called occlusally related problems, from heavy wear to chronic orofacial pain. Many claim to have evidence to back up their opinions, although much of it appears to be from a very weak source or based on clinical experience. The strongest case appears to be made by those who believe there is no link, by virtue of a lack of evidence to support its existence. Yet for many clinicians, it is a self-evident truth that occlusion must be related in some way to the function and dysfunction of the stomatognathic system. This article uses historical research to highlight where the pro-occlusionists may be going wrong. It also offers a new concept, based on anthropological studies, that indicates occlusion's link to oral health, and explains why most patients appear to have no occlusal problems for most of the time. This theory needs to be tested by researchers to establish its validity. In the meantime, dentists who feel the need to treat occlusal problems will find it supports a very conservative approach to care.
An Initial Analysis of the Research Competency Level of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)'s Divisional Research Contacts. An In-House Survey
Authors: Eaton Kenneth A , Narain Amrita , Batchelor Paul
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this survey was to identify the current level of competence of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)'s [FGDP(UK)'s] Divisional Research Contacts (DRCs).

Methodology

The FGDP(UK)'s DRCs were each sent a copy the Faculty's Research Competencies Framework ( RCF). A mutually convenient time for a telephone interview was then agreed between the DRCs and one of the Faculty's two National Research Facilitators. During the interview, a structured questionnaire was used and the DRCs’ qualifications and research experience were recorded along with their perceived knowledge and skill levels for each of the 21 competencies in the RCF, using a five-point Likert scale.

Results

Eighteen of the 20 DRCs were interviewed, of whom 12 either possessed or were studying for higher research or part-research degrees (PhD or MSc). All had some previous research experience. For 11 of the 15 competencies in the four domains of practical skills, problem-solving, attitudes and dissemination, DRCs rated their knowledge and skills levels as average or higher. For two of these 11 competencies (communication skills and understanding the need for research to support clinical practice), all 18 DRCs rated their levels of knowledge and skills as good or excellent. In the domain of roles and functions, DRCs rated their levels of knowledge and skills at a lower level. Seven rated their competence in designing and implementing a series of studies that address a significant issue and in writing research funding applications to major bodies as poor or very poor.

Conclusions

The present survey has provided the basis for a future, in-depth training needs analysis along with an insight into the research competency level of 18 of the Faculty's 20 DRCs.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Growing Problem?
Authors: Naini Farhad B , Gill Daljit S
Published: April 2008

Body dysmorphic dsorder (BDD) is characterised by a preoccupation with an imagined defect in one's appearance or, in the case of a minor physical anomaly, the individual's concern is markedly excessive, causing significant distress in their life. One of the most common areas of preoccupation is the dentofacial region, with up to 20% of patients diagnosed with BDD expressing specific concern regarding their dental appearance. With the increased ability to undertake dental aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, in addition to the use of facial aesthetic procedures, it is paramount for all dental clinicians to have an understanding of this condition. BDD patients often request multiple aesthetic procedures, but remain unsatisfied with their treatment results. It is imperative for the dental clinician to diagnose this condition prior to instigating clinical treatment, and to make an appropriate referral.
Career choices for trauma and orthopaedic surgery: 30 years of surveys
Authors: Goldacre MJ , Willett K , Lambert TW
Published: April 2008

We have surveyed all UK medical graduates in selected years since 1974 to document their career choices, career progression, career destinations and views about various aspects of working in medicine. We have recently summarised our findings for a number of individual specialties (we reference two examples here). This article covers early career choices for trauma and orthopaedic surgery. A fuller version is available on the UK Medical Careers Research Group website at www.uhce.ox.ac.uk/ukmcrg.
PMETB and article 14: lost opportunity?
Authors: Black John
Published: April 2008

Lack of transparency and lack of public scrutiny are anomalies in the medical world these days – except it appears for the article 14 process of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB). The busy surgeons involved in assessing applications, while being passionate about keeping surgery safe, give their time freely because they believe the country needs more surgeons. There is now unfortunately a groundswell of opinion that their involvement is being used to give credibility to a process which is not fit for surgery. Because of the way PMETB works, public scrutiny over the competence of surgeons admitted to the specialist register by this route has been lost.
Restorative dentistry: a misunderstood specialty
Authors: Saravanamuttu Ravi
Published: April 2008

Restorative dentistry is often rather misunderstood and we in the speciality are often asked what it is we do. It is often puzzling for our colleagues outside to appreciate what skills a specialist in restorative dentistry would have beyond that found in an experienced and skilled dental surgeon. It is also unclear to many how a specialist in restorative dentistry can master all the skills necessary to cover such a wide area in dentistry. I believe the answer to this question depends on two things – perspective and training.
Breaking bad news
Authors: Towell Elaine
Published: April 2008

In my lowest moments I remember the words used to break the news that I had cancer. How you're told definitely affects the way you feel about your chances of getting better.

Lesley Bentley, former breast cancer patient and chair of the College's Patient Liaison Group
White Seabass Spawning Behavior and Sound Production
Authors: Aalbers Scott A. , Drawbridge Mark A.
Published: April 2008

White seabass Atractoscion nobilis (family Sciaenidae) form transient spawning aggregations in the spring and summer throughout southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. Although spawning activity has been linked with sound production in other sciaenid fishes, the function and acoustic characteristics of white seabass sounds have not previously been identified. We described the spawning behavior and characterized the sounds generated by 62 white seabass maintained within the seminatural conditions and free‐field acoustic environment of a net‐pen moored in Catalina Harbor, California. In addition to visual observations, video and audio recordings were made during periods of peak spawning activity in 2001‐2003. The physical characteristics of white seabass sounds were described and illustrated with sonogram, waveform, and power spectrum displays. Gravid females were identifiable during courtship and spawning by shifts in behavior and the development of dark bars across the dorsal region. During spawning, 1‐9 males tightly surrounded a gravid female and the resultant pack shuddered in unison as gametes were simultaneously broadcast into the water column. Five distinct types of sound were produced by white seabass: Single and multiple pulse trains during courtship, drumrolls and thuds during spawning, and booms during yawning and burst swimming. During the actual release of gametes, a rapid succession of overlapping drumroll and thud sounds resulted in identifiable spawning chants lasting 7‐55 s. Consistent physical, behavioral, and acoustical patterns during courtship and spawning indicated that white seabass utilize visual, tactile, and sonic cues to communicate their reproductive state.