bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Students' Emotional Competency Using the Classroom-as-Organization Approach
Authors: Sheehan Beth J. , McDonald Mark A. , Spence Kirsty K.
Published: January 2009

In management education, the classroom-as-organization (CAO) approach to teaching has been a topic of much discussion and debate. Given the authors' experiences in teaching sport event management, it is known that the CAO approach helps students develop greater self-confidence, greater self- and social awareness, and a greater understanding of what it is like to work in an organization. Until recently, however, the authors never examined how this approach impacts their students, nor did they have empirical evidence that the above outcomes are ever met. The primary purpose of this article is to outline the CAO pedagogy and complementary experiential learning activities used to develop students' emotional competency. In fulfilling this purpose, the authors present evidence from this study that provides empirical support for the continued and increased use of the CAO pedagogy in management education.
Capillary Hemangioma of the Testis
Authors: Talmon Geoffrey A. , Stanley Stephen M. , Lager Donna J.
Published: January 2009

Testicular hemangiomas are benign vascular neoplasms usually occurring in children. Pathologists must be aware of this entity when performing intraoperative frozen sections as, after diagnosis, testicle-sparing surgery is adequate. The authors present a typical case with immunohistochemical studies and a review of the literature.
Serous Papillary Cystadenocarcinoma Arising From Autografted Ovary of the Abdominal Wall
Authors: Weidong Gong  , Hong Cheng  , Qingguo Yan  , Gaosheng Huang  , Pifu Luo  , Zhe Wang
Published: January 2009

A 58-year-old-woman developed a serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma between the fascia and peritoneum of the left abdominal wall. The patient had undergone bilateral oophorectomy for serous cystadenoma 17 years earlier and her residual normal ovarian parenchyma had also been transplanted to the abdominal wall. Grossly and microscopically, the current tumor arises from the autografted ovarian parenchyma. Literature review indicates that carcinoma arising from autografted ovarian tissue is extremely rare.
Renal Sinus Myelolipoma Coexistent With Renal Pelvis Papillary Transitional Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Greaves Wesley O. , Khanna Pawini , DeLellis Ronald , Glasser Lewis , Wang Li J.
Published: January 2009

A unique case of renal sinus myelolipoma presenting as a mass coexistent with papillary transitional cell carcinoma is reported. The patient was a 64-year-old man with a history of bladder transitional cell carcinoma. He presented with gross hematuria and a filling defect in the renal pelvis on computed tomography scan. Pathological findings revealed an irregular myxoid fatty mass, in addition to high-grade papillary transitional cell carcinoma. The differential diagnosis included myxoid liposarcoma, myxoid variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (myxofibrosarcoma), and angiomyolipoma. Immunoperoxidase staining confirmed the presence of hematopoietic cells, whereas diagnostic histological and immunohistochemical features of liposarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma, and angiomyolipoma were absent. Myelolipoma and papillary transitional cell carcinoma appear to be unrelated coexistent entities in this case.
Bona Fide Primary Merkel Cell Carcinoma of an Intraparotid Lymph Node in a HIV-Positive Patient
Authors: Ottaviani Francesco , Capaccio Pasquale , Villani Federico , Banderali Matteo , Pruneri Giancarlo , Klinger Marco , Pignataro Lorenzo
Published: January 2009

Merkel cell carcinomas are uncommon malignant tumors thought to originate from the neuroendocrine cells of the skin that mainly affects sun-exposed body areas, particularly the head and neck. In approximately 10% of cases, they present with localized lymphadenopathy without any clinical evidence or history of a primary lesion, but a truly primary lymph node Merkel cell carcinoma may occur, possibly originating from epithelial inclusions or an anomalous neuroendocrine differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. It has been observed that Merkel cell carcinoma is more likely to affect patients whose immune status is impaired as a result of iatrogenic immunosuppression, human immunodeficiency virus infection, or hematological malignancies. This study reports the case of a bona fide primary Merkel cell carcinoma arising in an intraparotid lymph node of a patient infected by HIV that had a particularly unfavorable clinical course.
Intrinsic Hemostasis Activation by Freezing and Thawing of Plasma
Authors: Stief Thomas W. , Otto Stefanie , Renz Harald
Published: January 2009

Low-grade contact activation of hemostasis is clinically relevant. Freezing/thawing of plasma was studied in the intrinsic coagulation activity assay. Normal plasmas were frozen at −80°C or −20°C and thawed at 37°C or 23°C. These plasmas and unfrozen samples were activated by SiO2 -CaCl2. Freezing/thawing of normal plasma induced about 100-fold more thrombin activity at 5 minutes coagulation reaction time than the respective unfrozen samples. Freezing at −80°C induces more artificial changes than freezing at −20°C. In 9 of 10 plasmas of patients receiving coumarin, nearly no additional thrombin is generated within a 12-minute coagulation reaction time. Minor procoagulant changes of plasma might be dangerous in patients with insufficient liver function, who might not tolerate a therapy with fresh frozen plasma, which behaves as a procoagulant because of its matrix changes. The intrinsic coagulation activity assay allows the measurement of low-grade contact activation of frozen/thawed plasma.
Effect of the Seal Force on Nonlinear Dynamics and Stability of the Rotor-bearing-seal System
Authors: Xiaoyao Shen  , Mei Zhao
Published: January 2009

Effect of the seal force on nonlinear dynamics and stability of the rotor-bearing-seal system are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. An experimental rotor-bearing-seal device is designed and corresponding tests are carried out. The experimental rotor system is simplified as the Jeffcott rotor. The nonlinear oil-film forces from the journal bearing are got under the short bearing theory. The nonlinear seal forces from the labyrinth seal are got under the Muszynska's seal force model. Through numerical calculation, the rotor rotating speed, the input-output air pressure difference and the seal clearance are used as control parameters to investigate the effect of the seal force with the help of bifurcation diagrams, waterfall plots, Poincaré maps, spectrum plots and rotor orbits. Various nonlinear phenomena and stability of the system are found and discussed. Theoretical results from numerical analysis are in good agreement with results from experiments. Conclusions are drawn and prove that this study will contribute to the further understanding of the effect of seal forces on nonlinear dynamics and stability of the rotor-bearing-seal system.
Vibration and Position Tracking Control of a Flexible Beam Using SMA Wire Actuators
Authors: Sohn J.W. , Han Y.M. , Choi S.B. , Lee Y.S. , Han M.S.
Published: January 2009

This paper presents vibration and position control of a flexible beam structure by adopting shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuators. The governing equation of motion of the proposed flexible structure is obtained via Hamilton's principle. The dynamic characteristics of the SMA wire actuator are experimentally identified and incorporated with the governing equation to furnish a control system model in the state space. Subsequently, a sliding mode controller which has inherent robustness to external disturbances and parameter uncertainties is formulated. The controller is then empirically realized for vibration control with relatively large tip displacement. In addition, tip position tracking control to follow desired trajectories with low-frequency sine and square waves is undertaken. Control performances such as tracking error are evaluated through both computer simulation and experimental investigation in time domain.
Trying to Return Home: A Trinidadian's Experience of Becoming a “Native” Ethnographer
Authors: Fournillier Janice B.
Published: January 2009

In this article, the author draws on the experiences of doing an ethnography of mas' making practices in Trinidad Carnival mas' camps to explore and dialogue with her perception of self as a becoming native ethnographer and her valuing of the perceptions of a member of the community's view of her role as another colonizer. She addresses the tensions between contestation, arrogant perceptions, and deep dialogue; the various forms of identification that informed the research process; and the various ways in which she positioned herself. She adapts and interprets some of the theoretical concepts she gained as a member of the community of educational researchers as she explores the challenges she faced as a native-born Trinidadian, educator, mas' player, and a becoming ethnographer.
Evolution of Volatile Fraction and ATP Related Compounds During Storage of Desalted Cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Fernandez-Segovia I. , Escriche I. , Serra J.A.
Published: January 2009

The objective of this work was to study the evolution of the volatile fraction, and ATP and its breakdown products, in desalted cod thermally treated (water blanching, steam blanching and microwave heating), stored at 4 °C. All analyses were carried out at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of storage, as in the treated samples as in the control samples (desalted cod without thermal pre-treatment). The study of the volatile fraction revealed a similar behavior of the water blanched and steam blanched samples, by one hand, and of the control samples and those treated with microwave, on the other hand. This fact would imply a lower effectiveness of the microwave treatment on the preservation of the initial odor of desalted cod. The initial K1-values were lower in control and microwave samples than in water and steam blanched samples. However, the higher increase of K1-values throughout the storage in control and microwave samples would indicate a higher spoilage for these samples during the studied period. According to these results, the two blanching treatments were more effective than microwave heating in the preservation of desalted cod.
Cross-flow Filtration through Ceramic Membranes of Enzymes and Degradation Products from Enzymatic Peeling of Satsuma Mandarin Segments
Authors: Moliner M. , Saura D. , Ros J.M. , Laencina J.
Published: January 2009

The present work evaluates the possibility of using cross-flow filtration to recover enzymatic activities from commercial enzymes used for peeling mandarin segments. Two ceramic membranes of different pore size and molecular weight cut-off were assayed. The membrane of 40 kDa molecular weight cut-off provided better separation of enzymes and carbohydrates than the membrane of 0.14 μm pore size, since the enzymes were readily retained in the retentate fraction, while carbohydrates easily passed into the permeate fraction. After separation, both fractions (enzymes and carbohydrates) could be further used.
Sensory Lexicon for Fresh Squeezed and Processed Orange Juices
Authors: Pérez-Cacho P. Ruiz , Galan-Soldevilla H. , Mahattanatawee K. , Elston A. , Rouseff R.L.
Published: January 2009

The aim of this study was to develop a flavor vocabulary (odor, aroma basic tastes and trigeminal/tactile sensations) to describe both fresh-squeezed and thermally processed (commercial) orange juices. Two independent panels located in different countries (Spain and USA) selected a common lexicon using multivariate analysis. Two sets of samples were selected and evaluated independently: the American sensory panel analyzed 40 orange juices varied in processing technology (pasteurized, refrigerated from concentrated, frozen concentrated and canned juices) and cultivars (Valencia, Temple, Navel, Hamlin, and Amber Sweet). The Spanish panel analyzed 26 samples that included thermally processed juices (pasteurized and refrigerated from concentrated) and unheated, hand squeezed juices (Valencia and Navel). A total of 34 common attributes were selected (15 for odor, 12 for aroma, 3 for basic tastes and 4 for trigeminal/tactile sensations). Data obtained were analyzed by geometric means, principal components analysis (PCA) and by Kruskal-Wallis test. Significant differences between the major categories of commercial juices were observed for all attributes in both countries and were also observed between fresh-squeezed and processed orange juices.
Influence of `Novarom G' Pectinase β-glycosidase Enzyme on the Wine Aroma of four White Varieties
Authors: Valcárcel M.C. , Palacios V.
Published: January 2009

Knowledge of the aroma precursors in enology has been fundamental in studying the aromatic potential of grape varieties. These precursors, represented fundamentally by the glycosidically-bound aroma compounds, are present in the grape at higher concentrations than the free or volatile forms. Acid hydrolysis of these precursors is not a viable way to produce significant chemical modifications in terpenes, but enzymatic hydrolysis is the best technique to increase the concentration of the free aroma fraction in wines. As a result, current studies are focused on the use of β-glycosidase enzymes to hydrolyze and release these aroma precursors as a way to improve the characteristics and sensory quality of wines. This work describes the influence that the application of `Novarom G' β-glycosidase enzyme has on the aromatic composition of monovarietal wines from four white varieties: Palomino fino, Sauvignon blanc, Traminer, and Viura. The grapes were cultivated in an experimental vineyard at the IFAPA Centro `Rancho de la Merced' (Jerez de la Frontera). Enzyme-treated wines showed significant differences in comparison to the controls in terms of analytical data: the terpenes and 2-phenylethanol concentrations increased in all varieties. The resulting wines had a more floral and fruity aroma and an improved sensory quality.
Microoxygenation Treatment and Sensory Properties of Young Red Wines
Authors: González-Sanjosé M.L. , Ortega-Heras M. , Pérez-Magariño S.
Published: January 2009

Microoxygenation (MO) allows the addition of small, continuous, and controlled amounts of pure oxygen or air to wines. This technique was developed to enhance quality of red wines. However, its positive effects are only achieved with adjusted supplies of oxygen, adequate for each kind of wine. The aim of this study was the evaluation of MO treatment effects on the sensory properties of different young single-variety red wines from two consecutive vintages. Wines from four diverse varieties were made to semi-industrial scale (5000 kg of grapes for each one). MO treatment was applied between alcoholic and malolactic fermentation to 2000 L of each wine, and it was adjusted to the characteristics of each wines. Descriptive sensorial analysis was carried out to evaluate the effects of MO treatment. The results obtained showed that, independently of the sort of wine, MO allowed to stabilize the wine color, intensifying the color intensity as well as the blue or violet tones; it also reduced notes such as herbaceous, vegetal, reduction, dirty, or sulphidric ones; however increased fruity note and had a structuring effect modifying the global astringency as well as its particular components. The intensity of oxygen effects varied among wines, being detected variety and vintage factors of variability.
High-pressure Food Processing
Authors: Balasubramaniam V.M. , Farkas D.
Published: January 2009

High pressure processing (HPP) of foods offers a commercially viable and practical alternative to heat processing by allowing food processors to pasteurize foods at or near room temperature. Pressure in combination with moderate temperature also seems to be a promising approach for producing shelf-stable foods. This paper outlines research needs for further advancement of high pressure processing technology. Kinetic models are needed for describing bacterial inactivation under combined pressure-thermal conditions and for microbial process evaluation. Further, identification of suitable surrogate organisms are needed for use as indicator organisms and for process validation studies. More research is needed to evaluate process uniformity at elevated pressure-thermal conditions to facilitate successful introduction of low-acid shelf-stable foods. Combinations of non-thermal technologies with high pressure could reduce the severity of the process pressure requirement. Likewise, processing equipment requires improvements in reliability and line-speed to compete with heat pasteurization lines. More studies are also needed to document the changes in animal and vegetable tissue and nutrient content during pressure processing, from types of packaging, and from storage.
Power Ultrasound
Authors: Feng H. , Yang W. , Hielscher T.
Published: January 2009

The use of ultrasound as a processing aid has been explored in various industrial sectors for over fifty years, but the application of this physical energy in food processing is relatively new. In this article, the current research and development activities of power ultrasound centered on food and bioprocessing applications are summarized. The mode of action of ultrasonication is attributed to several mechanical and chemical actions caused by cavitation, which include localized hot spots, formation of shock waves, microsteaming, and liquid jets, as well as the production of chemical species that will also impact the process kinetics and food quality attributes. Means to enhance cavitation activity is addressed. The research needs for the future development of ultrasound food processing are also discussed.
Clinical Signs of Infection in Diabetic Foot Ulcers With High Microbial Load
Authors: Gardner Sue E. , Hillis Stephen L. , Frantz Rita A.
Published: January 2009

Aims. One proposed method to diagnose diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) for infection is clinical examination. Twelve different signs of infection have been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine diagnostic validity of each individual clinical sign, a combination of signs recommended by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA), and a composite predictor based on all signs of localized wound infection in identifying DFU infection, among a sample of DFUs. Methods. A cross-sectional research design was used. Sixty-four individuals with DFUs were recruited from a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and an academic-affiliated hospital. Each DFU was independently assessed by 2 research team members using the clinical signs and symptoms checklist. Tissue specimens were then obtained via wound biopsy and quantitatively processed. Ulcers with more than 106 organisms per gram of tissue were defined as having high microbial load. Individual signs and the IDSA combination were assessed for validity by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and concordance probability. The composite predictor was analyzed using c-index and receiver operating curves. Results. Twenty-five (39%) of the DFUs had high microbial loads. No individual sign was a significant predictor of high microbial load. The IDSA combination was not a significant predictor either. The c-index of the composite predictor was .645 with a 95% confidence interval of .559-.732. Conclusions. Individual signs of infection do not perform well nor does the IDSA combination of signs. However, a composite predictor based on all signs provides a moderate level of discrimination, suggesting clinical use. Larger sample sizes and alternate reference standards are recommended.
The effects of airline price presentations on buyers' choice
Authors: Palmer Adrian , Boissy Stephanie
Published: January 2009

Deregulation of markets for air travel has led to increasing use of price based competition. However, comparison by buyers between competing airline offers is often difficult, with prices presented in a variety of inclusive and exclusive formats. The use of `99 ending' prices further seeks to undermine the capability of buyers to make rational decisions. This paper reports on a simulation study of buyers of short-haul airline tickets, and the choices made in response to four airline service/price offers. Just over three-quarters of respondents acted rationally by choosing an offer that provided the lowest price and/or highest benefits, consistent with respondents' expressed preferences. However, there was evidence of irrationality in the remaining respondents, who made choices that were inconsistent with their states preferences. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in respondents' choice between an offer priced at £61 99, and an otherwise identical offer priced at £62. The results of this study inform current debate about the need for clear and consistent pricing of airline tickets.
The psychological effects of music: Implications for hotel firms
Authors: Magnini Vincent P. , Parker Emily E.
Published: January 2009

If used properly, music can be a useful tool employed by hoteliers. This article synthesizes most, if not all, of the recent and seminal work from a variety of disciplines to outline the positive effects that atmospheric music can have on a hotel's patrons and employees. Specifically, the psychological influences of music in a hotel's physical environments, a hotel's telephone system, and a hotel's proprietary website are discussed. In terms of the physical environment, music can: 1) cause guests to spend more time and money in an establishment; 2) influence buyer/ seller interactions; 3) improve customers' attitudes during a wait; 4) amend guests' perceptions of brand personality and décor; and 5) enhance employee productivity. Regarding telephone interactions, evidence suggests that the proper use of music can bolster customers' satisfaction with the telephone encounter. Lastly, emerging research indicates that website music can enhance viewers' arousal, interest, satisfaction, and learning.
A dilemma for libertarianism
Authors: Widerquist Karl
Published: January 2009

Many libertarians make a moral argument that liberty requires the freedom to exercise strong property rights. From this, they argue that no more than a minimal state with sharply limited powers of taxation can be justified. A larger state would supposedly interfere with private property rights and thereby reduce liberty. In response, this article shows how natural rights to property do not entail any particular vision of the state. It demonstrates that the principles of natural property rights support monarchy just as well as they support a capitalist aristocracy. Nothing in the theory of natural property rights rules out government ownership of property or government ownership of the right to tax. Therefore, the natural rights argument does not necessarily imply libertarian limits on the state, but rather the acceptance of whatever state powers and property rights have been in place for a sufficient amount of time. For example, historical property rights in Britain do not imply that private titleholders possess rights that have been subject to interference from the state, as libertarians claim. Instead, they imply that the Queen and her ministers in parliament have a strong claim to at least partial ownership of the whole island of Britain and the property within it. If this argument holds, it poses a serious dilemma for libertarians, forcing them to choose between their account of liberty as the exercise of property rights and their belief that only a minimal state is justifiable.
Development and Evaluation of a Computerized Test Battery for Alzheimer's Disease Screening in Community-based Settings
Authors: Inoue Masashi , Jinbo Daiki , Nakamura Yuka , Taniguchi Miyako , Urakami Katsuya
Published: January 2009

Aim. To evaluate the capability of a computerized test battery for Alzheimer's disease screening which has been newly developed to provide a standardized and efficient method for widespread use in routine clinical and community-based settings.

Methods. Participants were 72 individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and 102 healthy elderly individuals. Both groups were tested by the battery. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to examine the ability of the battery to differentiate between those with Alzheimer's disease and cognitively healthy elderly individuals.

Results. On a group level, the Alzheimer's disease group performed worse than the control group on each of the 4 computerized test tasks. Receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded maximum sensitivity and specificity values of 96% and 86% for total scores, respectively.

Conclusion. We believe the battery is very useful for routine clinical and community-based settings.
PARP-14, a member of the B aggressive lymphoma family, transduces survival signals in primary B cells
Authors: Cho Sung Hoon , Goenka Shreevrat , Henttinen Tiina , Gudapati Prathyusha , Reinikainen Arja , Eischen Christine M. , Lahesmaa Riitta , Boothby Mark
Published: January 2009

Poly(ADP-ribos)ylation is one of the longest-known but most enigmatic posttranslational modifications transducing specific signals. The enzyme responsible for the majority of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerization in cells, PARP-1, promotes DNA repair but also mediates a caspase-independent form of apoptosis in response to stressors such as irradiation. However, the biologic function of most other PARPs is not known. Macro-PARPs constitute one branch of the large family of PARP-like proteins also designated as B aggressive lymphoma proteins (BAL1, 2a/2b, 3, or PARP-9, PARP-14, and PARP-15). To elucidate biologic role(s) of a BAL-family macro-PARP, we analyzed mice deficient in PARP-14, a binding partner of the IL-4–induced transcription factor Stat6. We show here that PARP-14 plays a fundamental role mediating protection against apoptosis in IL-4–treated B cells, including that after DNA damage, and mediates IL-4 effects on the levels of gene products that regulate cell survival, proliferation, and lymphomagenesis. Collectively, the results establish that PARP-14 mediates regulation of gene expression and lymphocyte physiology by IL-4 and has a function distinct from PARP-1. Furthermore, the findings suggest mechanisms by which BAL-family proteins might influence pathologic processes involving B lymphocytes.
Expression of CD133 on leukemia-initiating cells in childhood ALL
Authors: Cox Charlotte V. , Diamanti Paraskevi , Evely Roger S. , Kearns Pamela R. , Blair Allison
Published: January 2009

Optimization of therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) requires a greater understanding of the cells that proliferate to maintain this malignancy because a significant number of cases relapse, resulting from failure to eradicate the disease. Putative ALL stem cells may be resistant to therapy and subsequent relapses may arise from these cells. We investigated expression of CD133, CD19, and CD38 in pediatric B-ALL. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses demonstrated that karyotypically aberrant cells were present in both CD133+/CD19+ and CD133+/CD19− subfractions, as were most of the antigen receptor gene rearrangements. However, ALL cells capable of long-term proliferation in vitro and in vivo were derived from the CD133+/CD19− subfraction. Moreover, these CD133+/CD19− cells could self-renew to engraft serial nonobese diabetic–severe combined immunodeficient recipients and differentiate in vivo to produce leukemias with similar immunophenotypes and karyotypes to the diagnostic samples. Furthermore, these CD133+/CD19− ALL cells were more resistant to treatment with dexamethasone and vincristine, key components in childhood ALL therapy, than the bulk leukemia population. Similar results were obtained using cells sorted for CD133 and CD38, with only the CD133+/CD38− subfraction demonstrating xenograft repopulating capacity. These data suggest that leukemia-initiating cells in childhood B-ALL have a primitive CD133+/CD19− and CD38− phenotype.
Expression of sprouty2 inhibits B-cell proliferation and is epigenetically silenced in mouse and human B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Frank Matthew J. , Dawson David W. , Bensinger Steven J. , Hong Jason S. , Knosp Wendy M. , Xu Lizhong , Balatoni Cynthia E. , Allen Eric L. , Shen Rhine R. , Bar-Sagi Dafna , Martin Gail R. , Teitell Michael A.
Published: January 2009

B-cell lymphoma is the most common immune system malignancy. TCL1 transgenic mice (TCL1-tg), in which TCL1 is ectopically expressed in mature lymphocytes, develop multiple B- and T-cell leukemia and lymphoma subtypes, supporting an oncogenic role for TCL1 that probably involves AKT and MAPK-ERK signaling pathway augmentation. Additional, largely unknown genetic and epigenetic alterations cooperate with TCL1 during lymphoma progression. We examined DNA methylation patterns in TCL1-tg B-cell tumors to discover tumor-associated epigenetic changes, and identified hypermethylation of sprouty2 (Spry2). Sprouty proteins are context-dependent negative or positive regulators of MAPK-ERK pathway signaling, but their role(s) in B-cell physiology or pathology are unknown. Here we show that repression of Spry2 expression in TCL1-tg mouse and human B-cell lymphomas and cell lines is associated with dense DNA hypermethylation and was reversed by inhibition of DNA methylation. Spry2 expression was induced in normal splenic B cells by CD40/B-cell receptor costimulation and regulated a negative feedback loop that repressed MAPK-ERK signaling and decreased B-cell viability. Conversely, loss of Spry2 function hyperactivated MAPK-ERK signaling and caused increased B-cell proliferation. Combined, these results implicate epigenetic silencing of Spry2 expression in B lymphoma progression and suggest it as a companion lesion to ectopic TCL1 expression in enhancing MAPK-ERK pathway signaling.
A novel regulatory event-based gene set analysis method for exploring global functional changes in heterogeneous genomic data sets
Authors: Tung Chien-Yi , Jen Chih-Hung , Hsu Ming-Ta , Wang Hsei-Wei , Lin Chi-Hung
Published: January 2009

Background

Analyzing gene expression data by assessing the significance of pre-defined gene sets, rather than individual genes, has become a main approach in microarray data analysis and this has promisingly derive new biological interpretations of microarray data. However, the detection power of conventional gene list or gene set-based approaches is limited on highly heterogeneous samples, such as tumors.

Results

We developed a novel method, the regulatory
e
vent-based
G
ene
S
et
A
nalysis (eGSA), which considers not only the consistently changed genes but also every gene regulation (event) of each sample to overcome the detection limit. In comparison with conventional methods, eGSA can detect functional changes in heterogeneous samples more precisely and robustly. Furthermore, by utilizing eGSA, we successfully revealed novel functional characteristics and potential mechanisms of very early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Conclusion

Our study creates a novel scheme to directly target the major cellular functional changes in heterogeneous samples. All potential regulatory routines of a functional change can be further analyzed by the regulatory event frequency. We also provide a case study on early HCCs and reveal a novel insight at the initial stage of hepatocarcinogenesis. eGSA therefore accelerates and refines the interpretation of heterogeneous genomic data sets in the absence of gene-phenotype correlations.
Molecular profiling of T-helper immune genes during dengue virus infection
Authors: Chen Jincheng , Ng Mary Mah Lee , Chu Justin Jang Hann
Published: January 2009

In this study, we provide a comprehensive molecular profiling of the involvement of T- helper (Th) genes during dengue virus infection of different cell types. The Th gene profiles of three human cell types (monocytes, T-cells and hepatocytes) were analyzed simultaneously via array-based RT-PCR upon infection with dengue virus. Differential regulation of 41 Th genes was identified and of which 20 of those genes may contribute to immuno-pathogenesis of dengue virus infection by regulating inflammation, thrombocytopenia and vascular permeability. Among the strongly up-regulated genes were the RANTES, CC-CKR3, IRF4, CLEC2C, IL-6 and TLR6, which are potent inducer of inflammation and vascular permeability. Profiling genes obtained from this study may serve as potential biomarkers and the modulation of Th immune responses during dengue virus infection has important implications in disease outcome.
Polymerization of actin does not regulate desensitization in human basophils
Authors: MacGlashan Donald , Vilariño Natalia
Published: January 2009

Previous studies have suggested that maintenance of IgE-mediated signaling results from regulation of the activity of signaling complexes by actin polymerization. This process is also hypothesized to be related to desensitization of basophils and mast cells. Recent studies demonstrated that any signaling process dependent on syk or PI-3K activity cannot be a mechanism of desensitization, and in this context, syk and PI-3K inhibitors were found to inhibit actin polymerization. Inhibitors of actin polymerization were tested for their effect on desensitization of human peripheral blood basophils. Latrunculin A, in particular, removed all resting and stimulated f-actin but did not inhibit desensitization. Cytochalasin D and latrunculin A also did not reverse the loss of syk phosphorylation that accompanies desensitization. These results demonstrate that desensitization mechanisms are not dependent on actin polymerization. In this context, it was also shown that progressive immobilization of FcεRI during aggregation was sensitive to syk or actin polymerization inhibition. Therefore, desensitization is also not dependent on receptor immobilization. These studies demonstrate that desensitization is not the result of two signaling pathways once considered relevant to down-regulation of IgE-mediated signaling.
Insulin Promotes the Association of Heat Shock Protein 90 with the Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor to Dampen Its Ca2+ Release Activity
Authors: Nguyen Nathalie , Francoeur Nancy , Chartrand Valérie , Klarskov Klaus , Guillemette Gaétan , Boulay Guylain
Published: January 2009

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) is a Ca2+ release channel that plays a pivotal role in regulating intracellular Ca2+ levels in resting cells. Three isoforms of IP3Rs have been identified, and they all possess a large regulatory domain that covers about 60% of the protein. This regulation is accomplished by interaction with small molecules, posttranslational modifications, and mostly protein-protein interactions. In our search for new binding partners of the IP3R, we found that 90-kDa heat-shock protein (Hsp90) binds to the IP3R. This interaction increased on stimulation of HEK293T6.11 cells with insulin but not with Gq protein-coupled receptor (GqPCR) agonists. Moreover, the Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin (GA) disrupted the interaction between Hsp90 and the IP3R. Pretreatment of HEK293T6.11 cells with GA greatly increased the intracellular Ca2+ release induced by a GqPCR agonist. Insulin alone did not induce any intracellular Ca2+ release. However, insulin diminished the intracellular Ca2+ release induced by a GqPCR agonist. Interestingly, GA abolished the inhibitory effect of insulin on GqPCR-induced intracellular Ca2+ release. Furthermore, in our search for a mechanistic explanation to this phenomenon, we found that inhibition of kinases activated downstream of the insulin receptor greatly increased the interaction between Hsp90 and the IP3R. Of greater interest, we found that the simultaneous inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin and the Src kinase almost completely disrupted the interaction between Hsp90 and the IP3R. These results demonstrate that insulin promotes the interaction of Hsp90 with the IP3R to dampen its Ca2+ release activity by a complex mechanism involving mammalian target of rapamycin and the Src kinase.
Leptin Augments the Acute Suppressive Effects of Insulin on Hepatic Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Production in Rats
Authors: Huang Wan , Metlakunta Anantha , Dedousis Nikolas , Ortmeyer Heidi K. , Stefanovic-Racic Maja , O'Doherty Robert M.
Published: January 2009

It is well established that leptin increases the sensitivity of carbohydrate metabolism to the effects of insulin. Leptin and insulin also have potent effects on lipid metabolism. However, the effects of leptin on the regulation of liver lipid metabolism by insulin have not been investigated. The current study addressed the effects of leptin on insulin-regulated hepatic very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) metabolism in vivo in rats. A 90-min hyperinsulinemic/euglycemic clamp (4 mU/kg · min−1) reduced plasma VLDL triglyceride (TG) by about 50% (P < 0.001 vs. saline control). Importantly, a leptin infusion (0.2 μg/kg · min−1) in combination with insulin reduced plasma VLDL-TG by about 80% (P < 0.001 vs. insulin alone). These effects did not require altered skeletal muscle lipoprotein lipase activity but did include differential effects of insulin and leptin on liver apolipoprotein (apo) B and TG metabolism. Thus, insulin decreased liver and plasma apoB100/B48 levels (∼50%, P < 0.01), increased liver TGs (∼20%, P < 0.05), and had no effect on fatty acid oxidation. Conversely, leptin decreased liver TGs (∼50%, P < 0.01) and increased fatty acid oxidation (∼50%, P < 0.01) but had no effects on liver or plasma apoB levels. Importantly, the TG-depleting and prooxidative effects of leptin were maintained in the presence of insulin. We conclude that leptin additively increases the suppressive effects of insulin on hepatic and systemic VLDL metabolism by stimulating depletion of liver TGs and increasing oxidative metabolism. The net effect of the combined actions of insulin and leptin is to decrease the production and TG content of VLDL particles.
The Chemokine Cxcl1 Is a Novel Target Gene of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)/PTH-Related Protein in Committed Osteoblasts
Authors: Onan Döne , Allan Elizabeth H. , Quinn Julian M. W. , Gooi Jonathan H. , Pompolo Sueli , Sims Natalie A. , Gillespie Matthew T. , Martin T. John
Published: January 2009

The PTH receptor (PTHR1) is expressed on osteoblasts and responds to PTH or PTHrP in an endocrine or autocrine/paracrine manner, respectively. A microarray study carried out on PTHR1-positive osteoblasts (Kusa 4b10 cells) identified the cysteine-X-cysteine (CXC) family chemokine ligand 1 (Cxcl1) as a novel immediate PTH/PTHrP-responsive gene. Cxcl1 is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant with recognized roles in angiogenesis and inflammation, but a role in bone biology has not been described. Cxcl1 mRNA levels were up-regulated 1 h after either PTH or PTHrP treatment of differentiated Kusa 4b10 osteoblasts (15-fold) and mouse calvarial osteoblasts (160-fold) and in rat metaphyseal bone (5-fold) 1 h after a single sc injection of PTH. Furthermore, PTH treatment stimulated a 10-fold increase in secreted Cxcl1 protein by both Kusa 4b10 cells and calvarial osteoblasts. Immunohistochemistry and PCR demonstrated that CXCR2, the receptor for Cxcl1, is highly expressed in osteoclast precursors (hemopoietic cells) but is predominantly undetectable in the osteoblast lineage, suggesting that osteoblast-derived Cxcl1 may act as a chemoattractant for osteoclast precursors. Confirming this hypothesis, recombinant Cxcl1 dose-dependently stimulated migration of osteoclast precursors in cell culture studies, as did conditioned media from Kusa 4b10 cells treated with PTH. These data indicate that local action through the PTHR1 could stimulate cells of the osteoblast lineage to release a chemokine capable of attracting osteoclast precursors to the bone environment.
Organellar calcium signalling mechanisms inDrosophilaepithelial function
Authors: Davies Shireen A. , Terhzaz Selim
Published: January 2009

Calcium signalling and calcium homeostasis are essential for life. Studies of calcium signalling thus constitute a major proportion of research in the life sciences, although the majority of these studies are based in cell lines or isolated cells. Epithelial cells and tissues are essential in the regulation of critical physiological processes, including fluid transport; and so the modulation of such processes in vivo by cell-specific calcium signalling is thus of interest. In this review, we describe the approaches to measuring intracellular calcium in the genetically tractable fluid-transporting tissue, the Drosophila Malpighian tubule by targeting cell-specific protein-based calcium reporters to defined regions,cells and intracellular compartments of the intact Malpighian tubule. We also discuss recent findings on the roles of plasma membrane and intracellular calcium channels; and on organellar stores – including mitochondria,Golgi and peroxisomes – in Malpighian tubule function.
Insect ion transport peptides are derived from alternatively spliced genes and differentially expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system
Authors: Dircksen Heinrich
Published: January 2009

Insect ionic and fluid homeostasis relies upon the Malpighian tubules (MT)and different hindgut compartments. Primary urine formed in MTs is finally modified by ion, solute and water reabsorptive processes primarily in the hindgut under the control of several large peptide hormones. One of these, the ion transport peptide (ITP), is a chloride transport-stimulating and acid secretion-inhibiting hormone similar to crustacean hyperglycaemic hormones(CHHs). In locusts, moths and fruit flies, ITP together with the slightly longer ITPL isoforms, inactive in hindgut bioassays, arise by alternative splicing from very similar itp genes. ITP and ITPL are differentially distributed in (1) pars lateralis/retrocerebral complex neurosecretory cells(NSCs) containing both splice forms, (2) interneurons with either one of the splice forms, (3) hindgut-innervating abdominal ITP neurons (in Drosophila only), and (4) intrinsic, putative sensory NSCs in peripheral neurohaemal perisympathetic/perivisceral organs or transverse nerves (usually containing ITPL). Both splice forms occur as hormones released into the haemolymph in response to feeding or stress stimuli. ITPL mainly released from the peripheral NSCs is discussed as a competitive inhibitor (as established in vitro) of ITP action on yet to be identified hindgut ITP receptors. Furthermore, some evidence has been provided for possible ecdysis-related functions of ITP and/or ITPL in moths. The comparative data on the highly similar gene, precursor and primary structures and similar differential distributions in insect and crustacean NSCs suggest that CHH/ITP and ITPL neuropeptide-producing cells and their gene products share common phylogenetic ancestry.
Development of a voice coil-actuated limited-degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism for vibration suppression
Authors: Carruthers D J , O'Brien J F , McInroy J E , Yang Y
Published: January 2009

The development of a prototype limited-degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism for vibration suppression is presented. The mechanism is novel in that voice-coil actuators capable of delivering large forces are used to provide high-bandwidth suppression for heavy payloads. A summary of general parallel mechanism kinematic theory is provided, and the singular conditions for the prototype mechanism are explained. A two-axis vibration suppression control system is described, and experimental evidence of closed-loop performance is provided. The prototype mechanism delivers a maximum of 27 dB of disturbance rejection over the target frequency interval 1–10 Hz.
Compact dynamic models for the tripteron and quadrupteron parallel manipulators
Authors: Gosselin C
Published: January 2009

This paper proposes compact dynamic models for the tripteron, a three-degree-of-freedom (DOF) translational parallel manipulator and the quadrupteron, a four-DOF Schönflies-motion parallel manipulator. First, the architecture and kinematics of the tripteron and quadrupteron are briefly recalled. Then, the dynamic models are derived based on the Newton-Euler approach and a judicious sequencing of the application of the equations. It is shown that the dynamic models obtained are computationally efficient and conceptually simple. Therefore, the models can be used to improve the control of robots, especially in applications where high accelerations are required. The general approach proposed for the derivation of the models can be extended to other topologies and geometries of parallel manipulators.
Lin28 modulates cell growth and associates with a subset of cell cycle regulator mRNAs in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Xu Bingsen , Zhang Kexiong , Huang Yingqun
Published: January 2009

Lin28 is highly expressed in human and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here, we show that in mouse ES cells, specific repression of Lin28 results in decreased cell proliferation, while overexpression of Lin28 accelerates cell proliferation. Further, Lin28 associates specifically with ribonucleoprotein particles containing mRNAs for cyclins A and B and cdk4. Importantly, changes in Lin28 levels lead to corresponding changes in the levels of these proteins, and sequences from the 3' untranslated regions of cyclin B and cdk4 mRNAs exhibit stimulatory effects on translation of reporter genes in a Lin28-dependent fashion. Thus, we postulate that Lin28 may play a role in the regulation of translation of genes important for the growth and maintenance of pluripotent cells.
Targets of Statin Therapy: LDL Cholesterol, Non-HDL Cholesterol, and Apolipoprotein B in Type 2 Diabetes in the Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS)
Authors: Charlton-Menys Valentine , Betteridge D John , Colhoun Helen , Fuller John , France Michael , Hitman Graham A , Livingstone Shona J , Neil H Andrew W , Newman Connie B , Szarek Michael , DeMicco David A , Durrington Paul N
Published: January 2009

Background: LDL can vary considerably in its cholesterol content; thus, lowering LDL cholesterol (LDLC) as a goal of statin treatment implies the existence of considerable variation in the extent to which statin treatment removes circulating LDL particles. This consideration is particularly applicable in diabetes mellitus, in which LDL is frequently depleted of cholesterol.

Methods: Type 2 diabetes patients randomly allocated to 10 mg/day atorvastatin (n = 1154) or to placebo (n = 1196) for 1 year were studied to compare spontaneous and statin-induced apolipoprotein B (apo B) concentrations (a measure of LDL particle concentration) at LDLC and non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDLC) concentrations proposed as statin targets in type 2 diabetes.

Results: Patients treated with atorvastatin produced lower serum apo B concentrations at any given LDLC concentration than patients on placebo. An LDLC concentration of 1.8 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) during atorvastatin treatment was equivalent to a non-HDLC concentration of 2.59 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) or an apo B concentration of 0.8 g/L. At the more conservative LDLC targets of 2.59 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) and 3.37 mmol/L (130 mg/dL) for non-HDLC, however, the apo B concentration exceeded the 0.9-g/L value anticipated in the recent Consensus Statement from the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology.

Conclusions: The apo B concentration provides a more consistent goal for statin treatment than the LDLC or non-HDLC concentration.