bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between health professionals' weight status and attitudes towards weight management: a systematic review
Authors: Zhu D. , Norman I. J. , While A. E.
Published: March 2011

This systematic review aims to address the question of whether health professionals' weight status is associated with attitudes towards weight management. Twelve eligible studies were identified from a search of the Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and three Chinese databases, which included 14 independent samples comprising a total of 10 043 respondents. Attitudes towards weight management were classified under eight attitude indicators. Quantitative synthesis of the findings of included studies showed that health professionals of normal weight were more likely to be more confident in their weight management practice, perceive fewer barriers to weight management and have more positive outcome expectations, have stronger role identity and more negative attitudes towards obese individuals than health professionals who were overweight or obese. However, there was no difference between overweight and non‐overweight health professionals in their perceptions of the causes and outcomes of obesity. In addition, being female and having relevant knowledge and clinical experience of weight management appeared to predict positive attitudes towards obesity/obese patients and high self‐efficacy in weight management, respectively. Future research should focus on prospectively theory‐driven studies, and employ appropriately validated instruments and multivariate analyses to identify the relative contribution of weight status to attitudes towards weight management.
Obesity and short sleep: unlikely bedfellows?
Authors: Horne J.
Published: March 2011

The link between habitual short sleep and obesity is critically examined from a sleep perspective. Sleep estimates are confounded by ‘time in bed’, naps; the normal distribution of sleep duration. Wide categorizations of ‘short sleep’, with claims that <7 h sleep is associated with obesity and morbidity, stem from generalizations from 5 h sleepers (<8% of adults) and acute restriction studies involving unendurable sleepiness. Statistically significant epidemiological findings are of questionable clinical concern, even for 5 h sleepers, as any weight gains accumulate slowly over years; easily redressed by e.g. short exercise exposures, contrasting with huge accumulations of ‘lost’ sleep. Little evidence supports ‘more sleep’, alone, as an effective treatment for obesity. Impaired sleep quality and quantity are surrogates for many physical and psychological disorders, as can be obesity. Advocating more sleep, in these respects, could invoke unwarranted use of sleep aids including hypnotics. Inadequate sleep in obese children is usually symptomatic of problems not overcome by increasing sleep alone. Interestingly, neuropeptides regulating interactions between sleep, locomotion and energy balance in normal weight individuals, are an avenue for investigation in some obese short sleepers. The real danger of inadequate sleep lies with excessive daytime sleepiness, not obesity.
Transformation for adults in an Internet‐based learning environment—is it necessary to be self‐directed?
Authors: Chu Regina Juchun , Chu Anita Zichun , Weng Cathy , Tsai Chin‐Chung , Lin Chia‐chun
Published: March 2011

This research explores the relationships between self‐directed learning readiness and transformative learning theory (TLT) reflected by the Constructivist Internet‐based Learning Environment Scale (CILES). A questionnaire survey about adult learner's perceptions of Internet‐based learning was administered to adults enrolled in classes in community colleges in Taiwan. A total of 593 valid questionnaires were used for the structural equation modeling analysis. The findings confirmed a second‐order hierarchical factor relationship of TLT (technical, dialectical and emancipatory learning interests) from CILES. Moreover, the three domains of learning interests of transformative learning were proved to have a developmental relationship, moderated by the readiness of self‐directed learning for adult learners in Internet‐based learning.
Research priorities for YouTube and video‐sharing technologies: A Delphi study
Authors: Snelson Chareen , Rice Kerry , Wyzard Constance
Published: March 2011

Online video‐sharing services, particularly YouTube, have gained an audience of billions of users including educators and scholars. While the academic literature provides some evidence that YouTube has been studied and written about, little is known about priorities for YouTube research. The study employed the Delphi method to obtain a consensus from experts about areas that are most in need of research in video‐sharing technology (particularly YouTube). An expert panel, identified from a comprehensive review of the literature, participated in a three‐round Delphi process involving two cycles of online questionnaires and feedback reports. Participants responded to the question, ‘What should be the research priorities in video‐sharing technologies (particularly YouTube) over the next 5 years?’ Seven research priority categories were identified and ranked in order of priority: (1) users, groups and communities; (2) teaching/learning; (3) social/political impact; (4) video creation/production; (5) legal/ethical; (6) media management; and (7) commercial interests.
Job Mobility in Europe, Japan and the United States
Authors: Borghans Lex , Golsteyn Bart H.H.
Published: March 2011

Evidence about job mobility outside the United States is scarce and difficult to compare cross‐nationally because of non‐uniform data. We document job mobility patterns of college graduates in their first three years in the labour market, using unique uniform data covering 11 European countries and Japan. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, we replicate the information in this survey to compare the results with the United States. We find that (a) US graduates hold more jobs than European graduates, (b) contrasting conventional wisdom, job mobility in Japan is only somewhat lower than the European average, and (c) there are large differences in job mobility within Europe.
Truancy and the Prosecution of Parents: An Unfair Burden on Mothers?
Authors: Donoghue Jane
Published: March 2011

This article considers the development and use of the law regulating the prosecution of parents under section 444 of the Education Act 1996, in the broader context of legislation and policy initiatives concerned with the governance of parental responsibility. It explores the ways in which the power to prosecute parents has been used by local educational authorities (LEAs) and interpreted by the courts. The article critically analyses the manner in which the powers emphasise punishment and retribution in the context of the social moralisation of ‘flawed’ parents; pay insufficient regard to the effects of parental responsibility laws on low‐income, single parent families; represent an attempt to impose a simple solution on to a complex socio‐economic problem; and amplify the scope for mothers to be made the subject of criminal justice interventions. It is argued that the prosecution of parents imposes an unfair burden on mothers and, in particular, single parent mothers.
Personal Religious Beliefs in the Workplace: How Not to Define Indirect Discrimination
Authors: Hatzis Nicholas
Published: March 2011

In cases concerning indirect religious discrimination the claimant must demonstrate that an otherwise neutral measure has caused her to suffer a particular disadvantage because of her religion. In Eweida v British Airways the Court of Appeal held that personal religious beliefs which are not part of official religious dogma cannot be relied upon as the basis for a claim of indirect discrimination. I discuss, first, the reasoning of the Court of Appeal in Eweida; then I examine the way personal religious beliefs have been treated in other cases in Britain and in the United States; finally, I place the issue in a wider human rights framework.
Clinical and pathological characteristics of extradigital and digital glomus tumours: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Lee Deok‐Woo , Yang Ji‐Hye , Chang Sungeun , Won Chong‐Hyun , Lee Mi‐Woo , Choi Jee‐Ho , Moon Kee‐Chan
Published: March 2011

Background  Most glomus tumours are located in the digits, especially in subungual areas. Less is known, however, about the clinical characteristics of extradigital glomus tumours.

Objectives  The aim of this study was to characterize extradigital glomus tumours and compare their clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics with those of digital glomus tumours.

Methods  We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 110 patients with digital and 42 patients with extradigital glomus tumours, treated at a single centre from 1991 to 2010. We also investigated the immunohistochemical expression of substance P and TRPV1 in the biopsy specimens from patients with digital (n = 5) and extradigital (n = 5) glomus tumours.

Results  Compared with patients with digital glomus tumours, patients with extradigital tumours were significantly older (P = 0.009) and showed a significantly greater male predominance (P < 0.001), lower incidence rates of pain (P = 0.019), cold intolerance (P < 0.001) and a higher frequency of the glomangioma subtype (P < 0.001). Extradigital glomus tumours were located most frequently on the upper extremities (n = 25). The most common clinical presentations were solitary purplish papules (n = 10). Only 20% of extradigital glomus tumours were diagnosed correctly by the initial physician. Of 38 evaluable patients, 34 (89.5%) were successfully treated with simple excision without recurrence. Substance P and TRPV1 were expressed moderately to strongly in glomus cells, but there were no differences in their expression between patients with digital and extradigital glomus tumours.

Conclusion  Extradigital glomus tumours do not have specific clinical features such as pain, leading to frequent misdiagnosis. To prevent delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis, it is important to increase awareness of these tumours.
Development of a targeted risk‐group model for skin cancer screening based on more than 100 000 total skin examinations
Authors: Guther S. , Ramrath K. , Dyall‐Smith D. , Landthaler M. , Stolz W.
Published: March 2011

Background  Skin cancer screening aims to detect potentially metastasizing skin cancers at an early and surgically curable stage. This may take the form of mass screening, as currently occurs in Germany, or of targeted screening of those at greatest risk.

Objective  To develop a model to identify patients at high risk of developing skin cancer who would benefit from regular skin cancer screening.

Methods  This was an open prospective point‐prevalence study of consecutive patients presenting to dermatologists for a total skin check. Demographic and skin cancer risk factors were recorded and, for the first time, histology of skin lesions was documented. Results were analysed by univariate and multivariate analyses and, after logistic regression with stepwise forward selection, a risk‐group model was developed.

Results  The results of 108 281 total skin examinations were available for analysis. 142 definite melanomas, 108 severely dysplastic naevi/cannot‐exclude‐melanoma, 491 basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and 93 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) were excised. A risk model was developed for melanoma and SCC based on mathematical e‐functions. The model had >92% sensitivity for melanoma and SCC and an overall 67.24% specificity for melanoma, SCC and BCC. This targeted risk model identified one‐third of the study population as being at risk for the development of melanoma and SCC.

Conclusions  Using the risk calculator developed from this study, targeted screening of the identified at‐risk population reduces the numbers needed to be screened regularly by 50%, yet has better sensitivity for melanoma and similar sensitivity for SCC compared to the current mass screening programme in Germany.
Enhanced cardiac and attentional responding to fearful faces in 7‐month‐old infants
Authors: Peltola Mikko J. , Leppänen Jukka M. , Hietanen Jari K.
Published: March 2011

Orienting of attention to emotionally negative stimuli is accompanied by rapid heart rate (HR) deceleration, reflecting enhanced attentional and sensory processing. We studied whether similar emotional modulation of cardiac responding is observed in infants. HR and eye movements were recorded from 7‐month‐old infants while they observed a fearful or happy face that was flanked after 700 ms by a peripheral distractor for 2000 ms. An attentional bias for fearful faces was indicated by less frequent and longer latency saccades toward the distractors during fearful than happy trials. HR deceleration was significantly larger during fearful than happy trials on which infants did not make a distractor‐directed saccade. For trials with a distractor‐directed saccade, no difference between fearful and happy faces emerged. Thus, the bias to attend preferentially to fearful faces is accompanied by a concomitant increase in the cardiac orienting response.
Inverse carbon isotope patterns of lipids and kerogen record heterogeneous primary biomass
Authors: CLOSE H. G. , BOVEE R. , PEARSON A.
Published: March 2011

Throughout the Proterozoic δ13C values for preserved n‐alkyl lipids are more positive than for syngenetic kerogen. This pattern is the inverse of biosynthetic expectations. It has been suggested that this isotopic inversion results from selective preservation of lipids from 13C‐enriched heterotrophic populations, while the bulk of kerogen derives from primary producers. Here, we formulate a degradation model to calculate the 13C content of sedimentary total organic carbon and lipid. The model addresses two scenarios. The first scenario explores preferential preservation of heterotrophic lipid, thereby quantifying the existing hypothesis. In the second, we suggest that an inverse signature could be the result of prokaryotic phytoplankton contributing the majority of the total ecosystem biomass. Photosynthetic prokaryotes bearing a relative 13C enrichment would contribute much of the resulting preserved lipids, while primary eukaryotic biomass would dominate the total organic carbon. We find that our hypothesis of a mixed primary producer community generates inverse isotopic patterns while placing far fewer requirements on specific degradation conditions. It also provides a possible explanation as to why there are large variations in the 13C content of the isoprenoid lipids pristane and phytane relative to n‐alkyl lipid, while the difference between n‐alkyl lipid and kerogen is more constant. Our results suggest that the disappearance of the inverse 13C signature in the late Ediacaran is a natural consequence of the fundamental shift to oceans in which export production has a higher ratio of eukaryotic biomass.
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as a model for multiple sclerosis (MS)
Authors: Constantinescu Cris S , Farooqi Nasr , O'Brien Kate , Gran Bruno
Published: March 2011

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most commonly used experimental model for the human inflammatory demyelinating disease, multiple sclerosis (MS). EAE is a complex condition in which the interaction between a variety of immunopathological and neuropathological mechanisms leads to an approximation of the key pathological features of MS: inflammation, demyelination, axonal loss and gliosis. The counter‐regulatory mechanisms of resolution of inflammation and remyelination also occur in EAE, which, therefore can also serve as a model for these processes. Moreover, EAE is often used as a model of cell‐mediated organ‐specific autoimmune conditions in general. EAE has a complex neuropharmacology, and many of the drugs that are in current or imminent use in MS have been developed, tested or validated on the basis of EAE studies. There is great heterogeneity in the susceptibility to the induction, the method of induction and the response to various immunological or neuropharmacological interventions, many of which are reviewed here. This makes EAE a very versatile system to use in translational neuro‐ and immunopharmacology, but the model needs to be tailored to the scientific question being asked. While creating difficulties and underscoring the inherent weaknesses of this model of MS in straightforward translation from EAE to the human disease, this variability also creates an opportunity to explore multiple facets of the immune and neural mechanisms of immune‐mediated neuroinflammation and demyelination as well as intrinsic protective mechanisms. This allows the eventual development and preclinical testing of a wide range of potential therapeutic interventions.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐4
Contribution of quorum sensing to the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in pressure ulcer infection in rats
Authors: Nakagami Gojiro , Morohoshi Tomohiro , Ikeda Tsukasa , Ohta Yasunori , Sagara Hiroshi , Huang Lijuan , Nagase Takashi , Sugama Junko , Sanada Hiromi
Published: March 2011

The impact of quorum sensing (QS) in in vivo models of infection has been widely investigated, but there are no descriptions for ischemic wound infection. To explore the role of QS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the establishment of ischemic wound infection, we challenged a pressure ulcer model in rats with the PAO‐1, PAO‐1 derivatives ΔlasIΔrhlI and ΔlasRΔrhlR strains, which cannot induce the virulence factor under QS control, thus the reduced tissue destruction was expended in these mutant strains. However unexpectedly, on postwounding day 3, the inflammatory responses in the three groups were similarly severe and the numbers of bacteria in tissue samples did not differ among the three strains. Biofilm formation was immature in QS‐deficient strains, defined by the absence of dense bacterial aggregates and extracellular polymeric substance, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa QS signal, acylated homoserine lactone, was only quantified from wound samples in the PAO‐1 group. The swimming and twitching motilities were significantly enhanced in the ΔlasRΔrhlR group compared with the PAO‐1 group in vitro. A significantly larger wound area was correlated with the bacterial motility. The inflammation in the early phase of bacterial challenge to wounds with immature biofilm formation in the QS‐deficient strains indicated that the role of QS was more crucial for the chronic phase than for the acute phase of infection. The present findings indicate a difference in the importance of QS in ischemic wound infections compared with other infection models.
Increased Lipoprotein (a) concentrations in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers: a study on patients with or without postthrombotic syndrome
Authors: Zutt Markus , Krüger Ulrich , Rosenberger Albert , Schön Michael P. , Neumann Christine , von Ahsen Nico , Kretschmer Lutz
Published: March 2011

Chronic venous leg ulcers are common and cause considerable burden of disease for affected patients with significant costs for health care systems worldwide. The complex pathophysiology of chronic venous leg ulcers is still not entirely understood. In addition, reliable pathogenic and/or prognostic parameters are not known. Published data suggest that patients with chronic venous leg ulcers reveal congenital or acquired thrombophilia. We examined the serum Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] level, a proatherogenic and prothrombotic risk factor, in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers (n=210, stratified into patients with postthrombotic syndrome or without) and in a healthy control group (n=341). Forty‐two percent of all patients, compared with 20% of healthy controls, revealed significantly increased Lp(a) serum concentrations above 0.3 g/L. Furthermore, 49% without postthrombotic syndrome but only 35% with postthrombotic syndrome showed increased Lp(a) levels. The increase of Lp(a) level was significantly different between all three groups (p<0.001). There was no correlation of Lp(a) levels and CRP values in all groups. Based on these data, it is conceivable that Lp(a) plasma level is a novel pathogenic parameter for chronic venous leg ulcers. Elevated concentrations may contribute to the pathogenesis through induction of thrombogenic microcirculatory dysregulations, impaired extravascular fibrinolysis, or other mechanisms like proinflammatory effects.
Dynamic reciprocity in the wound microenvironment
Authors: Schultz Gregory S. , Davidson Jeffrey M. , Kirsner Robert S. , Bornstein Paul , Herman Ira M.
Published: March 2011

Here, we define dynamic reciprocity (DR) as an ongoing, bidirectional interaction among cells and their surrounding microenvironment. In this review, we posit that DR is especially meaningful during wound healing as the DR‐driven biochemical, biophysical, and cellular responses to injury play pivotal roles in regulating tissue regenerative responses. Such cell–extracellular matrix interactions not only guide and regulate cellular morphology, but also cellular differentiation, migration, proliferation, and survival during tissue development, including, e.g., embryogenesis, angiogenesis, as well as during pathologic processes including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic wound healing. Herein, we examine DR within the wound microenvironment while considering specific examples across acute and chronic wound healing. This review also considers how a number of hypotheses that attempt to explain chronic wound pathophysiology may be understood within the DR framework. The implications of applying the principles of DR to optimize wound care practice and future development of innovative wound healing therapeutics are also briefly considered.
Molecular Surgery for the Treatment of Malignant Tumors: Bioincompatible Material Apheresis for Cancer Therapy?
Authors: Nosé Yukihiko , Ohta Kazuhide , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Takaba Junji , Natsume Kuniaki
Published: March 2011

Controlled immunological shock, induced by bioincompatible material apheresis for cancer (BIC MAC) therapy, produces an immunoactive status in experimental subjects. However, in order to provide a safe, painless, effective, and reproducible BIC MAC therapy, it is mandatory to provide general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation not only during apheresis procedures of 1‐h duration but also for an additional 5 h. Using this procedure, there was no mortality experienced during animal experiments. Also, there were no procedurally related physical or sensory abnormalities demonstrated. This general anesthesia of 6 h covered not only the initial 30 min of the hypotension and hypoxic stages but also the recovery stages to hemodynamically normalize the experimental animals. After 6 h, the accumulated leukocytes in the lung are released back to the systemic circulation. In general, granulocytes decreased almost 100% while lymphocytes decreased only 40–50%. During these 6 h, increases of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, etc.) sometimes up to 1000 times occurred. After the 6‐h procedure, leukocytes returned nearly to preoperative levels but tended to be continuously increased. After the fourth day, leukocyte counts more than doubled. These cellular and humoral activations were normalized after 2 weeks. These studies were conducted on six normal mongrel dogs. Currently, similar studies are planned to be conducted on tumor‐bearing experimental animals. This procedurally induced immunoactivation by apheresis may be able to produce effective apoptosis in malignant tumor cells.
Component Criticality in Failure Cascade Processes of Network Systems
Authors: Zio Enrico , Sansavini Giovanni
Published: March 2011

In this work, specific indicators are used to characterize the criticality of components in a network system with respect to their contribution to failure cascade processes. A realistic‐size network is considered as reference case study. Three different models of cascading failures are analyzed, differing both on the failure load distribution logic and on the cascade triggering event. The criticality indicators are compared to classical measures of topological centrality to identify the one most characteristic of the cascade processes considered.
The Effects of Assessment Quality on Revenue Volatility
Authors: CARROLL DEBORAH A. , GOODMAN CHRISTOPHER B.
Published: March 2011

This paper examines the relationships between assessment quality, property tax revenue volatility, and other revenue volatility using panel data of all 100 counties in North Carolina between 2003 and 2007. Findings suggest that characteristics of the property tax base are the most important predictors of property tax revenue volatility among counties over time. Specifically, increases in assessed value and years in which a mass revaluation occurs are most influential in determining property tax revenue volatility. The second stage of analysis reveals that population, nontax revenue dependence, property tax dependence, and assessment quality have the greatest influences on volatility of other revenues among counties over time. The effect of assessment quality on nonproperty tax revenue volatility is conditional upon a county's property tax dependence.
Hydrothermal Aging Behavior of Nanocrystalline Y‐TZP Ceramics
Authors: Paul Anish , Vaidhyanathan Bala , Binner Jon G. P.
Published: March 2011

The influence of grain size and yttria content on the hydrothermal aging behavior of yttria‐stabilized zirconia ceramics has been investigated via the preparation of genuine, fully dense nanozirconia ceramics with <100 nm grain size by two‐step sintering. The samples were aged at different temperatures for varying periods of time and XRD and micro‐Raman spectroscopy have been used to monitor the aging process while the hardness of the samples was used as a measure of the deterioration in the physical properties. The results were compared with those of a commercial submicrometer 3YSZ zirconia sample subjected to the same aging treatment and characterization. Nano3YSZ with <100 nm grain size did not exhibit degradation, whereas the submicrometer 3YSZ samples underwent severe degradation.
Temperature Dependence of the Wettability between Glass‐Forming Alloy Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 and Polycrystalline ZrO2
Authors: Shen Ping , Zheng Xiaohong , Qiu Feng , Jiang Qichuan , Liu Huijie , Liu Zhen
Published: March 2011

Wetting of ZrO2–3 mol% Y2O3 substrates by a molten Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 bulk metallic glass forming alloy was studied using a modified sessile drop method at 1133–1473 K in a high vacuum and their interfacial chemistry was investigated. The time variation in the contact angle shows anomalous temperature dependence at 1133–1293 K, i.e., the initial contact angle gradually decreases while the final contact angle increases with increasing temperature. In the range of 1293–1473 K, the contact angle sharply decreases in the initial stage but shows little change in the subsequent long isothermal duration. A distinct reaction layer consisting of substoichiometric ZrO2−x was developed at the interface. The remarkable temperature dependence of the wettability is due to the competition among the adsorption and accumulation of the active atoms such as Zr at the interface, the interfacial reaction, and the release of oxygen from ZrO2. The adsorption of Zr at the triple junction, particularly enhanced by the structural transition of ZrO2, plays an important role in promoting the wettability. In contrast, the oxygen release leads to the oxidation of the active atoms and ready pinning of the triple line, thus deteriorating the wettability. The interfacial reaction may promote the wetting as well, but its role is limited because on the one hand, it consumes the adsorbed active Zr atoms, and on the other, the pinning of the triple line due to the compositional oxidation considerably weakens its function.
The Enhanced Stabilization of the Cubic Phase in Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia with the Addition of Nickel Oxide
Authors: White Josh , Reimanis Ivar E. , Menzer Sophie , Coors Grover
Published: March 2011

The influence of NiO on the stabilization and microstructure of yittria (Y2O3)‐stabilized zirconia (ZrO2) (YSZ) is examined. Cold‐pressed powders comprising varying amounts of NiO, 8 mol%Y2O3, and ZrO2 were sintered at 1500°C for 4 h. Specimens were subsequently given a 100 h heat treatment at 1500°C. Phase analysis by X‐ray diffraction revealed that the presence of NiO leads to a greater amount of cubic phase ZrO2 for the sintered specimens compared with the control specimens. The cubic ZrO2 lattice parameter was significantly smaller for specimens containing NiO, revealing that Ni2+ ions likely enter the cubic ZrO2 lattice and play a role in decreasing the time and temperature required for stabilization of the cubic phase. A spherical diffusion model was used to estimate the diffusion of Y3+ and Ni2+ into ZrO2. These results are discussed in the context of the role of NiO in the synthesis of YSZ.
A kinetic model for the burst phase of processive cellulases
Authors: Praestgaard Eigil , Elmerdahl Jens , Murphy Leigh , Nymand Søren , McFarland K. C. , Borch Kim , Westh Peter
Published: March 2011

Cellobiohydrolases (exocellulases) hydrolyze cellulose processively, i.e. by sequential cleaving of soluble sugars from one end of a cellulose strand. Their activity generally shows an initial burst, followed by a pronounced slowdown, even when substrate is abundant and product accumulation is negligible. Here, we propose an explicit kinetic model for this behavior, which uses classical burst phase theory as the starting point. The model is tested against calorimetric measurements of the activity of the cellobiohydrolase Cel7A from Trichoderma reesei on amorphous cellulose. A simple version of the model, which can be solved analytically, shows that the burst and slowdown can be explained by the relative rates of the sequential reactions in the hydrolysis process and the occurrence of obstacles for the processive movement along the cellulose strand. More specifically, the maximum enzyme activity reflects a balance between a rapid processive movement, on the one hand, and a slow release of enzyme which is stalled by obstacles, on the other. This model only partially accounts for the experimental data, and we therefore also test a modified version that takes into account random enzyme inactivation. This approach generally accounts well for the initial time course (approximately 1 h) of the hydrolysis. We suggest that the models will be useful in attempts to rationalize the initial kinetics of processive cellulases, and demonstrate their application to some open questions, including the effect of repeated enzyme dosages and the ‘double exponential decay’ in the rate of cellulolysis.

Database
 The mathematical model described here has been submitted to the Online Cellular Systems Modelling Database and can be accessed at http://jjj.biochem.sun.ac.za/database/Praestgaard/index.html free of charge.
Effect ofMucuna pruriens(Linn.) on Oxidative Stress-Induced Structural Alteration of Corpus Cavernosum in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat
Authors: Suresh Sekar , Prakash Seppan
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction is one of the major secondary complications of diabetes. Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens), a leguminous plant identified for its antidiabetic, aphrodisiac, and fertility enhancing properties, has been the choice of Indian traditional medicine.

Aim

The objective of the present study was to analyze the efficacy of M. pruriens on free radicals-mediated penile tissue alterations in hyperglycemic male rats.

Methods

Male albino rats were divided as group I (sham) control, group II (STZ) diabetes-induced (streptozotocin 60 mg/kg of body weight [bw] in 0.1 M citrate buffer), group III (STZ + MP) diabetic rats administered with 200 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed, group IV (STZ + SIL) diabetic rats administered with 5 mg/kg bw of sildenafil citrate, group V (sham + MP) administered with 200 mg/kg bw of extract alone, and group VI (sham + SIL) administered with 5 mg/kg bw of sildenafil citrate. The M. pruriens and sildenafil citrate were given (gavage) once daily for a period of 60 days. At the end of 60 days, the animals were sacrificed and subjected to analysis of reactive oxygen species levels, enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidant levels, levels of NOx, histological, and histomorphometrical study of penile tissue.

Main Outcome Measures

Remedial use of M. pruriens seed extract on diabetes-induced erectile tissue damage.

Results

Significantly high levels of oxidative stress and low levels of antioxidants in the penile tissue seem to contribute to the increased collagen deposition and fibrosis of erectile tissue in STZ rats. Relatively, there was increased damage in STZ + SIL group. Supplementation of M. pruriens in STZ + MP group has revealed the potency to overcome oxidative stress, and good preservation of penile histoarchitecture.

Conclusion

The ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed significantly recovered or protected erectile tissue from the oxidative stress-induced degeneration by its antioxidant potentials. These findings propound to serve mankind by the treatment of diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction.
Modifications to the Conduit Flow Process Mode 2 for MODFLOW‐2005
Authors: Reimann Thomas , Birk Steffen , Rehrl Christoph , Shoemaker W. Barclay
Published: March 2011

As a result of rock dissolution processes, karst aquifers exhibit highly conductive features such as caves and conduits. Within these structures, groundwater flow can become turbulent and therefore be described by nonlinear gradient functions. Some numerical groundwater flow models explicitly account for pipe hydraulics by coupling the continuum model with a pipe network that represents the conduit system. In contrast, the Conduit Flow Process Mode 2 (CFPM2) for MODFLOW‐2005 approximates turbulent flow by reducing the hydraulic conductivity within the existing linear head gradient of the MODFLOW continuum model. This approach reduces the practical as well as numerical efforts for simulating turbulence. The original formulation was for large pore aquifers where the onset of turbulence is at low Reynolds numbers (1 to 100) and not for conduits or pipes. In addition, the existing code requires multiple time steps for convergence due to iterative adjustment of the hydraulic conductivity. Modifications to the existing CFPM2 were made by implementing a generalized power function with a user‐defined exponent. This allows for matching turbulence in porous media or pipes and eliminates the time steps required for iterative adjustment of hydraulic conductivity. The modified CFPM2 successfully replicated simple benchmark test problems.
Chronic Progressive Deficits in Neuron Size, Density and Number in the Trigeminal Ganglia of Mice Latently Infected with Herpes Simplex Virus
Authors: Dosa Sandor , Castellanos Karla , Bacsa Sarolta , Gagyi Eva , Kovacs S. Krisztian , Valyi‐Nagy Klara , Shukla Deepak , Dermody Terence S. , Valyi‐Nagy Tibor
Published: March 2011

Numerous epidemiological studies have proposed a link between herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and several common chronic neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Experimental HSV infection of mice can lead to chronic behavioral and neurological deficits and chronic pain. While neuron injury and loss are well‐documented consequences of the acute phase of infection, the pathologic consequences of latent HSV infection are poorly understood. To determine whether latent HSV infection can cause neuronal injury in mice, trigeminal ganglia (TG) derived from adult BALB/c mice 1, 12 and 31 weeks after corneal HSV type 1 (HSV‐1) inoculation were analyzed for evidence of productive or latent HSV‐1 infection, inflammation and changes in neuron size, density and number. We found that latent HSV‐1 infection between 12 and 31 weeks after corneal virus inoculation was associated with inflammation and progressive deficits in mean neuron diameter, neuronal nucleus diameter, neuron density and neuron number in the TG relative to mock‐infected controls. The extent of neuronal injury during latent infection correlated with the extent of inflammation. These studies demonstrate that latent HSV infection is associated with progressive neuronal pathology and may lead to a better understanding of the role of HSV infections in chronic neurological diseases.
Construction of Food and Water Borne Pathogens’ Dose–Response Curves Using the Expanded Fermi Solution
Authors: Peleg Micha , Normand Mark D , Corradini Maria G
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Theoretically, the relationship between the number of pathogens that cause acute infection if settling in the gut, N, and that initially ingested, M, can be constructed from the survival probabilities at the different “stations” along the digestive tract. These probabilities are rarely known exactly, but their ranges can be estimated. If for a given N one generates estimates of M using random probabilities within these ranges, the estimates’ distribution will be approximately lognormal and its cumulative (CDF) form will represent the pathogen's dose–response curve. The distribution's logarithmic mean and standard deviation can be calculated from the ranges with a formula and used to plot the curve. The method was used to generate dose–response curves of hypothetical food and waterborne pathogens and calculate their infective dose (ID) at 5%, 50%, and 95% probability. The curves were compatible with the Beta Poisson model and robust against minor perturbations in the underlying probabilities’ ranges. The calculation and plotting procedure was automated and posted on the Internet as a freely downloadable interactive Wolfram Demonstration. It allows the user to generate, modify, examine, and compare dose–response curves, and to calculate their characteristics, by moving sliders on the screen.
Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Cucumber Fermentation Brines
Authors: Breidt, Jr Frederick , Caldwell Jane M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Bacterial pathogens have been reported on fresh cucumbers and other vegetables used for commercial fermentation. The Food and Drug Administration currently has a 5‐log reduction standard for E. coli O157:H7 and other vegetative pathogens in acidified pickle products. For fermented vegetables, which are acid foods, there is little data documenting the conditions needed to kill acid resistant pathogens. To address this knowledge gap, we obtained 10 different cucumber fermentation brines at different stages of fermentation from 5 domestic commercial plants. Cucumber brines were used to represent vegetable fermentations because cabbage and other vegetables may have inhibitory compounds that may affect survival. The 5‐log reduction times for E. coli O157:H7 strains in the commercial brines were found to be positively correlated with brine pH, and ranged from 3 to 24 d for pH values of 3.2 to 4.6, respectively. In a laboratory cucumber juice medium that had been previously fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum or Leuconostoc mesenteroides (pH 3.9), a 5‐log reduction was achieved within 1 to 16 d depending on pH, acid concentration, and temperature. During competitive growth at 30 °C in the presence of L. plantarum or L. mesenteroides in cucumber juice, E. coli O157:H7 cell numbers were reduced to below the level of detection within 2 to 3 d. These data may be used to aid manufacturers of fermented vegetable products determine safe production practices based on fermentation pH and temperature.

Practical Application:  Disease causing strains of the bacterium E. coli may be present on fresh vegetables. Our investigation determined the time needed to kill E. coli in cucumber fermentation brines and how E. coli strains are killed in competition with naturally present lactic acid bacteria. Our results showed how brine pH and other brine conditions affected the killing of E. coli strains. These data can be used by producers of fermented vegetable products to help assure consumer safety.
Optimal monetary policy in the monetary union: effects on business cycles
Authors: Pedram Mehdi
Published: March 2011

The difficulties of a common monetary policy in an economic and monetary union are well known where there are differences between the stage of the business cycles and inflation pressures. In this paper, I will show that in a simple open macro model and by using ‘weighted mean mechanism’ monetary authorities can employ a common monetary policy to synchronise diverging business cycles in the member states.
The EU foreign gas policy of transit corridors: autopsy of the stillborn Nabucco project
Authors: Finon Dominique
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we criticise the departure of the European Union (EU) from its traditional Soft Power vein in foreign energy policy, implying a strategy of gas corridors for import diversification in an intense political competition with Russia. We analyse intrinsic limitations of the EU initiative of promotion of Nabucco pipeline as a merchant line along three different economic perspectives. Firstly, the competition theory perspective which shows the possibility for Russia to challenge this project by a competing project (South Stream) because it could preempt access to Caspian resources. Secondly, the ‘transaction cost economics’ perspective which shows why long‐term commitments between producers and midstream buyers are necessary to jointly develop transport or transit infrastructures and new remote gas fields. Thirdly, the coalition theory perspective which sheds light on the weak cohesion of the Nabucco coalition in the competition with the South Stream coalition, which has more chance of success while it offers equivalent benefits in terms of transit risk suppression. We conclude with recommendations concerning the EU gas policy actions which are only relevant when focusing on better improved market integration, development of self‐insurances and solidarity, and diplomatic action turned towards energy markets integration.
A taxonomic synopsis of the genus Campeiostachys Drobov
Authors: BAUM Bernard R. , YANG Jun‐Liang , YEN Chi , AGAFONOV Alex V.
Published: March 2011

Abstract  We have classified 11 species recently recognized as belonging to the genus Elymus into a resurrected and legitimate genus Campeiostachys Drobov according to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. Our action is based on the rationale of monophyly, discrimination, and practicality discussed in detail. Currently Elymus contains a vast number of species with different genomes which often, but not always, can be differentiated by cytological and molecular features, but are difficult to separate by traditional morphology, although an effort to do so is detailed and discussed. This difficulty can be attributed to the dominance effect of a particular genome on the other genome(s) present. Campeiostachys, with genome constitution StStHHYY, is a recent addition to a number of genera recently segregated out of Elymus, i.e. Douglasdeweya (StStPP), Kengyilia (StStPPYY), and Roegneria (StStYY, StStStStYY). A key to Campeiostachys taxa is provided, along with taxa descriptions, distribution, nomenclature, and cytology. Nineteen nomenclatural novelties, or combinations, resulted from this work, 10 species names, and nine varietal names.
A simple assay for measurement of ovotransferrin – a marker of inflammation and infection in birds
Authors: Horrocks Nicholas P. C. , Irene Tieleman B. , Matson Kevin D.
Published: March 2011

1. Ovotransferrin is an acute‐phase protein with iron‐binding and immunomodulatory functions. In poultry, ovotransferrin levels increase in response to inflammation or infection, but little is known about responses in wild bird species.

2. We present a simple assay for the determination of ovotransferrin‐like activity in the plasma of wild birds. The assay uses very small sample volumes, works with previously frozen plasma, is inexpensive to run, and requires only standard laboratory equipment and a spectrophotometer. Importantly, the assay does not require species‐specific antibodies, making it applicable to a wide variety of species and particularly useful in comparative studies of immune function.

3. We detected significant variation in ovotransferrin concentrations among 22 bird species. Ovotransferrin concentrations were significantly repeatable among individuals, and concentrations increased significantly in response to a lipopolysaccharide challenge.

4. Within but not among species, concentrations of ovotransferrin were significantly and positively correlated with concentrations of haptoglobin, another acute‐phase protein that also binds iron. Differences in concentrations of acute‐phase proteins might reflect broader differences in immune strategies and responses to infection. Measuring ovotransferrin in addition to haptoglobin therefore provides fresh insights into differences in immunological defences among populations and species.

5. This assay will serve as a useful addition to the existing arsenal of field‐friendly assays that have been developed for addressing questions in ecological immunology.
Plasma endotoxin in horses presented to an equine referral hospital: Correlation to selected clinical parameters and outcomes
Authors: SENIOR J. M. , PROUDMAN C. J. , LEUWER M. , CARTER S. D.
Published: March 2011

Reasons for performing study: Endotoxaemia is frequently presumed on the basis of clinical signs in horses with colic.

Objective: Measurements of plasma endotoxin (LPS) are rarely made in clinical cases and there is little information on the correlations between this variable, clinical variables and outcomes.

Objectives: To measure LPS levels in plasma of horses presented to the Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital on admission and daily for up to 4 days and to relate LPS levels to selected clinical parameters, such as heart rate and packed cell volume, and outcomes.

Methods: Blood samples were collected and stored at ‐20°C prior to assay of the plasma using a validated kinetic chromogenic Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. Clinical parameters and outcome variables were collected from hospital records. Associations were determined by Chi‐squared test and logistic regression analysis.

Results: Daily blood samples were collected from 234 horses. LPS was detected in 26.5% of the study population and in 29% of those horses presented for colic. Horses providing samples with detectable LPS were more likely to die whilst in the hospital than those that did not (P = 0.045). Horses presenting with colic were more likely to have detectable LPS in their plasma than noncolic cases (P = 0.037), although LPS was detected in the plasma of 8 out of 42 noncolic horses. A horse that did not meet the study definition of clinical endotoxaemia was 10 times less likely to provide a positive LPS sample (OR 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05–0.22).

Conclusions: The proportion of horses providing samples with detectable LPS was similar to other studies.

Potential relevance: LPS was detected in the minority of horses presented with colic. Increased levels of LPS positively correlated with packed cell volume and with risk of mortality in colic cases.