bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Storage Does Not Affect the Quantitative Yield of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Sputum in Early-Bactericidal-Activity Studies
Authors: Kolwijck Eva , Mitchell Melissa , Venter Amour , Friedrich Sven O. , Dawson Rod , Diacon Andreas H.
Published: January 2013

Early-bactericidal-activity (EBA) studies measure the change in mycobacterial load in sputum over time to evaluate antituberculosis drugs. We investigated whether a delay in sputum processing influences the quantitative results of sputum mycobacterial culture. We identified pretreatment smear-positive sputum samples collected overnight and processed at a single laboratory. Sputum volume, time from sputum collection to processing, CFU counts/ml of sputum, and time to culture positivity (TTP) data were retrieved. We obtained 817 TTP and 794 CFU results from a total of 844 sputum samples. Contamination did not occur more frequently with prolonged storage (TTP, 2.0%; CFU, 2.4%). Sample volumes were <5 ml in 5%, 5 to 10 ml in 46%, and >10 ml in 49%. Delays to processing were 0, 1, 2, and 3 days in 696 (43.2%), 722 (44.8%), 128 (7.9%), and 65 (4.0%) samples, respectively. TTP and CFU did not significantly differ between days of delay to processing (
P
= 0.098 and
P
= 0.908, respectively), but there was a nonsignificant trend toward a prolonged TTP over time (
P
= 0.052, Jonckheere-Terpstra trend test). Sputa of <5 ml in volume showed a significantly prolonged TTP compared to sputum of >5 ml (113 h versus 99 h;
P
< 0.01) but no significant decrease in CFU. Sputum can be stored under refrigerated conditions for deferred processing for at least 3 days. This means that central laboratories can be used for quantitative mycobacterial study endpoints when delays to processing are not expected to exceed a few days. Care should be taken to collect sputum of sufficient volume.
Catalase-Negative Staphylococcus lugdunensis Strain with a Novel Point Mutation in the Catalase Gene Isolated from a Patient with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media
Authors: Lu Yong , Wang Yiping , Ling Buzhi , Ke Xianfu , Ying Jianfei , Yu Yanhong , He Mingyang , Li Xiangyang
Published: January 2013

This report describes the results of the sequence analysis of a methicillin-susceptible strain of catalase-negative
Staphylococcus lugdunensis
. Molecular characterization of the deduced sequence revealed a novel point mutation in the catalase gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a catalase-negative
S. lugdunensis
strain, although catalase-negative isolates of
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
have been previously reported.
Concomitant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and paraclinical laboratory features of multiple sclerosis: coincidence or causal relationship?
Authors: Borisow Nadja , Meyer Thomas , Paul Friedemann
Published: January 2013

We report a 55-year-old patient, presenting with paresis, muscle atrophy and dysarthria, all symptoms accordable to definite amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, MRI and cerebrospinal fluid show abnormalities typical of multiple sclerosis (MS). On the basis of this case report, we discuss possible overlaps between both diseases by comparing clinical and paraclinical features including laboratory, radiological and electrophysiological diagnostics. As genetic, as well as environmental, factors are assumed to be involved in the development of both the diseases, literature is reviewed according to similar cases, results of autopsies and possible parallels in pathogenesis. In summary, based on the data currently available, the hypothesis of ALS being a neurodegenerative multisystem disorder, a common pathophysiological pathway or, alternatively, a random comorbidity of ALS and MS in this patient has to be discussed.
Long-term survival of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki in a field trial
Authors: Hendriksen Niels Bohse , Carstensen Jacob
Published: January 2013

Long-term survival of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki DMU67R has been investigated in a field trial. An experimental cabbage plot was sprayed with DMU67R in 1993 and was allowed to lie fallow since then. The investigation reported here was carried out from 2001 to 2007 in a single square meter within the plot using a systematic randomized sampling approach. The bacterium survived at relative low densities in these 13 years after spraying. Statistical analyses revealed that the overall density decreased approximately 40% during years 8 to 13 after the application; however, the trend was not uniform and contained periods of both increases and decreases in density of DMU67R, with decreases in density notably related to conditions of low water content in the soil. Long-term survival of DMU67R in this field plot seems to include germination and growth, possibly related to growth in insect hosts, and death or inactivation during dry periods, both phases occurring during May to October where the soil temperature exceeds 10 °C.
Canonical analysis of a system with fermionic gauge symmetry
Authors: McKeon D.G.C.
Published: January 2013

A non-abelian gauge field with a topological action is coupled to a spin-3/2 Majorana spinor. The symmetries of this model are analyzed using the Dirac constraint formalism. These symmetries include a fermionic symmetry and the algebra of these symmetries closes; it is not the algebra of supergravity. The action is invariant without the need to introduce auxiliary fields.
Increased endothelin-1 responsiveness in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells exposed to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3
Authors: Absi Mais , Ward Donald T.
Published: January 2013

Low blood concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 are associated with increased mortality, while some studies suggest improved cardiovascular outcomes with vitamin D3 supplementation in chronic kidney disease. However, the physiological effects of vitamin D3 on the cardiovascular system remain poorly understood making it difficult to determine whether vitamin D3 supplementation might provide cardiovascular benefit or even cause harm. Thus here we investigated the effects of chronic 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment on intracellular signaling in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) and found that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 significantly potentiated endothelin (ET-1) signaling. Specifically, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24-h pretreatment) caused a more than threefold enhancement in both ET-1-induced intracellular calcium mobilization and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. This 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-elicited signaling enhancement was not observed for either vasopressin or carbachol. With the use of endothelin receptor (ETR) isoform-selective antagonists, ETRA was found to be primarily responsible for the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced ET-1 responsiveness and yet ETRA mRNA expression and protein abundance were unaltered following 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment. While there was an increase in ETRB mRNA expression in response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the protein abundance of ETRB was again unchanged. Finally, ETRA/ETRB heterodimerization was not detected in HCASMCs in either the absence or presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Together, these data show for the first time that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 enhances endothelin responsiveness in HCASMCs and that the effect is mediated through ETRA.
Limited capacity of proximal tubular proteolysis in mice with proteinuria
Authors: Lee D. , Gleich K. , Fraser S. A. , Katerelos M. , Mount P. F. , Power D. A.
Published: January 2013

Albuminuria is associated with the additional loss in the urine of small molecular weight proteins normally degraded by the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), and competition for binding to the megalin/cubilin reuptake system has been considered the likely cause. We have previously reported that deficiency of the intrinsic lysosomal protein Limp-2 causes tubular proteinuria due to reduced fusion of endosomes with lysosomes in the PCT leading to inadequate proteolysis. To determine whether this mechanism also contributes to the tubular proteinuria induced by albumin overload in normal mice, wild-type (WT) mice received daily BSA injections intraperitoneally for 10 days, using untreated Limp-2−/−mice as positive controls for inadequate proteolysis. BSA overload induced significant urinary loss of megalin and cubilin ligands in WT mice. Tubular uptake of Alexa-conjugated BSA, administered by intravenous injection, was not reduced in the PCT of mice receiving intraperitoneal BSA. Expression of the tubular protein receptor megalin was also unchanged. There was a delay in proteolysis of reabsorbed proteins in WT mice receiving BSA, evidenced by an increased quantity of retinol-binding protein (RBP) in the kidney cortex, increased basal distribution of endocytosed RBP in cells of the PCT, and persistence of exogenous Alexa-conjugated BSA and RBP after injection. Upregulation of cathepsin L and normal fusion of lysosomes with endosomes were apparently not sufficient to maintain normal clearance of endocytosed proteins. The data suggest that in the presence of competition from albumin overload, reabsorption of filtered proteins is limited by the capacity of lysosomal degradation rather than receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Sex differences in the enhanced responsiveness to acute angiotensin II in growth-restricted rats: role of fasudil, a Rho kinase inhibitor
Authors: Ojeda Norma B. , Royals Thomas P. , Alexander Barbara T.
Published: January 2013

This study tested the hypothesis that Rho kinase contributes to the enhanced pressor response to acute angiotensin II in intact male growth-restricted and gonadectomized female growth-restricted rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal function were determined in conscious animals pretreated with enalapril (250 mg/l in drinking water) for 1 wk to block the endogenous renin-angiotensin system and normalize blood pressure (baseline). Blood pressure and renal hemodynamics did not differ at baseline. Acute Ang II (100 ng·kg−1·min−1) induced a greater increase in MAP and renal vascular resistance and enhanced reduction in glomerular filtration rate in intact male growth-restricted rats compared with intact male controls ( P < 0.05). Cotreatment with the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil (33 μg·kg−1·min−1) significantly attenuated these hemodynamic changes ( P < 0.05), but it did not abolish the differential increase in blood pressure above baseline, suggesting that the impact of intrauterine growth restriction on blood pressure in intact male growth-restricted rats is independent of Rho kinase. Gonadectomy in conjunction with fasudil returned blood pressure back to baseline in male growth-restricted rats, and yet glomerular filtration rate remained significantly reduced ( P < 0.05). Thus, these data suggest a role for enhanced renal sensitivity to acute Ang II in the developmental programming of hypertension in male growth-restricted rats. However, inhibition of Rho kinase had no effect on the basal or enhanced increase in blood pressure induced by acute Ang II in the gonadectomized female growth-restricted rat. Therefore, these studies suggest that Rho kinase inhibition exerts a sex-specific effect on blood pressure sensitivity to acute Ang II in growth-restricted rats.
Natural Human Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Induce Antigen-Specific T-Cell Responses in Melanoma Patients
Authors: Tel Jurjen , Aarntzen Erik H.J.G. , Baba Tetsuro , Schreibelt Gerty , Schulte Barbara M. , Benitez-Ribas Daniel , Boerman Otto C. , Croockewit Sandra , Oyen Wim J.G. , van Rossum Michelle , Winkels Gregor , Coulie Pierre G. , Punt Cornelis J.A. , Figdor Carl G. , de Vries I. Jolanda M.
Published: January 2013

Vaccination against cancer by using dendritic cells has for more than a decade been based on dendritic cells generated ex vivo from monocytes or CD34+ progenitors. Here, we report on the first clinical study of therapeutic vaccination against cancer using naturally occurring plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). Fifteen patients with metastatic melanoma received intranodal injections of pDCs activated and loaded with tumor antigen-associated peptides ex vivo. In vivo imaging showed that administered pDCs migrated and distributed over multiple lymph nodes. Several patients mounted antivaccine CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses. Despite the limited number of administered pDCs, an IFN signature was observed after each vaccination. These results indicate that vaccination with naturally occurring pDC is feasible with minimal toxicity and that in patients with metastatic melanoma, it induces favorable immune responses. Cancer Res; 73(3); 1063–75. ©2012 AACR.
DNA-Mutation Inventory to Refine and Enhance Cancer Treatment (DIRECT): A Catalog of Clinically Relevant Cancer Mutations to Enable Genome-Directed Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Yeh Paul , Chen Heidi , Andrews Jenny , Naser Riyad , Pao William , Horn Leora
Published: January 2013

Purpose: Tumor gene mutation status is becoming increasingly important in the treatment of patients with cancer. A comprehensive catalog of tumor gene–response outcomes from individual patients is needed, especially for actionable mutations and rare variants. We created a proof-of-principle database [DNA-mutation Inventory to Refine and Enhance Cancer Treatment (DIRECT)], starting with lung cancer-associated EGF receptor (EGFR) mutations, to provide a resource for clinicians to prioritize treatment decisions based on a patient's tumor mutations at the point of care.

Methods: A systematic search of literature published between June 2005 and May 2011 was conducted through PubMed to identify patient-level, mutation–drug response in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutant tumors. Minimum inclusion criteria included patient's EGFR mutation, corresponding treatment, and an associated radiographic outcome.

Results: A total of 1,021 patients with 1,070 separate EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy responses from 116 different publications were included. About 188 unique EGFR mutations occurring in 207 different combinations were identified: 149 different mutation combinations were associated with disease control and 42 were associated with disease progression. Four secondary mutations, in 16 different combinations, were associated with acquired resistance.

Conclusions: As tumor sequencing becomes more common in oncology, this comprehensive electronic catalog can enable genome-directed anticancer therapy. DIRECT will eventually encompass all tumor mutations associated with clinical outcomes on targeted therapies. Users can make specific queries at http://www.mycancergenome.org/about/direct to obtain clinically relevant data associated with various mutations. Clin Cancer Res; 19(7); 1894–901. ©2013 AACR.
Saul’s Two Year Reign in 1 Samuel 13:1
Authors: Gilmour Rachelle , Young Ian
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Developing I. Provan’s observation that the kings whose reigns are under impending judgment typically reign for two years in the book of Kings, we propose that Saul’s reign of two years in the MT of 1 Samuel 13:1 can be read as indicative of his failed kingship.
The Varying Political Toll of Concerns About Corruption in Good Versus Bad Economic Times
Authors: Zechmeister Elizabeth J. , Zizumbo-Colunga Daniel
Published: January 2013

Under what conditions do citizens connect concerns about corruption to their evaluations of sitting executives? In contrast to conventional scholarship positing a direct, negative relationship between corruption and political support, we build on a small but suggestive body of research to argue that this relationship is conditional on economic context. We test this claim with national survey data collected in 19 presidential systems as part of the AmericasBarometer 2010 study. Using both fixed effects ordinary least squares and hierarchical linear regression analyses, we show that individuals facing bad (good) collective economic conditions apply a higher (lower) penalty to presidential approval for perceived political corruption. This result holds across both an individual-level indicator of national economic assessment and a regional economic measure; we further test, and find less substantial results for, the moderating influence of personal economic conditions on the political toll of corruption perceptions.
β-catenin is Required in Odontoblasts for Tooth Root Formation
Authors: Kim T.H. , Bae C.H. , Lee J.C. , Ko S.O. , Yang X. , Jiang R. , Cho E.S.
Published: January 2013

The tooth root is an important part of the tooth that works together with the surrounding periodontium to maintain the tooth in the alveolar socket. The root develops after crown morphogenesis. While the molecular and cellular mechanisms of early tooth development and crown morphogenesis have been extensively studied, little is known about the molecular mechanisms controlling tooth root formation. Here, we show that β-catenin is strongly expressed in odontoblast-lineage cells and is required for root formation. Tissue-specific inactivation of β-catenin in developing odontoblasts produced molars lacking roots and aberrantly thin incisors. At the beginning of root formation in the mutant molars, the cervical loop epithelium extended apically to form Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath (HERS), but root odontoblast differentiation was disrupted and followed by the loss of some HERS inner layer cells. However, the outer layer of the HERS extended without the root, and the mutant molars finally erupted. The periodontal tissues extensively invaded the dental pulp. These results indicate that there is a cell-autonomous requirement for Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the dental mesenchyme for root formation.
Legal Walls and Professional Paths: The Mobilities of Graffiti Writers in Sydney
Authors: McAuliffe Cameron
Published: January 2013

Through an investigation of the workings of the contemporary politics of legal graffiti walls in Sydney, this paper aims to show the ways in which graffiti writers are variously included and excluded in networks of mobility. The analysis considers three lenses on mobility—spatial mobility, social mobility and policy mobilities—in order to interrogate the processes of socio-spatial exclusion faced by young (and not so young) graffiti writers, and the way that mobility can change as writers shift through complex youth–adult transitions. In post-industrial cities like Sydney, engaging the rhetoric of creative cities, the changing landscape of government policy, legislation and funded programmes has implications for the mobility of graffiti writers, with older, more experienced, graffiti writers able to draw on their network capital to facilitate mobile lives, while younger, less experienced, graffiti writers become further fixed in space, less mobile and more prone to the travails of social exclusion.
Immobile Transnationalisms? Young People and Their in situ Experiences of ‘International’ Education in Hong Kong
Authors: Waters Johanna , Leung Maggi
Published: January 2013

In Hong Kong, the number of international degree programmes available locally to students has proliferated in recent years, and British universities are the largest provider of so-called ‘transnational education’ in the territory. This paper draws on the findings of a qualitative project examining British degree programmes offered in Hong Kong, and their implications for local young people. In particular, it explores the fact that the vast majority of these ‘international’ qualifications involve no travel whatsoever, and are taught and awarded entirely in Hong Kong. Interviews with students/graduates, with direct experience of a British degree, elucidate the relationship between (im)mobility and the accumulation of cultural capital through international education. It is suggested that immobility does have an impact upon young people’s experiences of higher education. The findings contribute to discussions around the relationship between education, mobility and class, and the implications of a consolidating international education industry for class reproduction and social inequalities.
Conflicting and complementary conceptions of discursive practice in non-metaphysical interpretations of Hegel
Authors: Midtgarden Torjus
Published: January 2013

Pippin, Pinkard and Brandom are rightly seen as representatives of a distinct approach in contemporary Hegel scholarship. Still, their interpretations diverge due to different definitions and uses of conceptions of discursive practice. We focus on three ways in which such definitions and uses bear on their interpretations. First, while Lumsden has recently criticized Pinkard and Brandom for ‘discursive bias’ in their accounts of the contestation and upheaval of normative authority in Hegel’s Phenomenology, we note that Pinkard distinguishes between various modes of reason-giving, and we argue that a further qualification of interdependencies between these modes may support his interpretation against such criticism. Second, Pinkard and Pippin have recently criticized Brandom’s conception of discursive score-keeping practice, and Pippin in particular has argued that the latter rests on an individualistic reductionism about content foreign to Hegel. However, we find that the real issue is that the modes of methodological abstraction and idealization assumed for Brandom’s conception of discursive practice leave out of account the historical alteration as well as the institutional embodiment of normative authority as emphasized by Pippin and Pinkard. Third, while Pippin and Pinkard both make Hegel’s notion of modern ethical life bear on a conception of practical rationality, their uses of a conception of discursive practice in such an undertaking betray divergent conceptions of the sociality of rational agents.
Generic legislation of new psychoactive drugs
Authors: van Amsterdam Jan , Nutt David , van den Brink Wim
Published: January 2013

New psychoactive drugs (NPDs, new psychoactive substances) enter the market all the time. However, it takes several months to ban these NPDs and immediate action is generally not possible. Several European countries and drug enforcement officers insist on a faster procedure to ban NPDs. Introduction of generic legislation, in which clusters of psychotropic drugs are banned in advance, has been mentioned as a possible solution. Here we discuss the pros and cons of such an approach. First, generic legislation could unintentionally increase the expenditures of enforcement, black market practices, administrative burden and health risks for users. Second, it may have a negative impact on research and the development of new treatments. Third, due to the complexity of generic legislation, problems in the enforcement are anticipated due to lack of knowledge about the chemical nomenclature. Finally, various legal options are already available to ban the use, sale and trade of NPDs. We therefore conclude that the currently used scientific benefit–risk evaluation should be continued to limit the adverse health effects of NPDs. Only in emergency cases, where fatal incidents (may) occur, should this approach be overruled.
Effects of polarity on the friction and wear of collector shoes deployed in a metro traction system
Authors: Dong Lin , Zhong Wen , Chen Guang Xiong , Lewis Roger
Published: January 2013

The effects of current density and polarity on the tribology characteristics of the contact between an aluminium/stainless steel composite third rail and a copper-impregnated carbon collector shoe are studied using a modified pin-on-disc apparatus. In particular, friction coefficient, temperature rise and wear volume loss of the friction pair are measured. The chemical constituents of worn surfaces are investigated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The results show that with increasing current density the temperature of the contact area increases, the contact surfaces oxidize, the tangential force and friction coefficient decrease, and the wear volume loss of the friction pair increases. Oxidation degree and the wear volume losses of collector shoes with a positive polarity are larger than that of collector shoes with a negative polarity. Water molecules adsorbed by the sliding contact surface of the friction pair decompose into hydroxyl and hydrogen ions under the influence of the electric field; subsequently, the hydroxyl ions migrate to the anode where they generate oxygen. The anodic oxidation reaction at high temperature weakens the bond between the grains in the surface layer of the positive friction pair, and aggravates the wear of material, which in turn changes the friction and wear characteristics of the friction pair.
Effect of variation in axial spacing and rotor speed combinations on the performance of a high aspect ratio contra-rotating axial fan stage
Authors: Mistry Chetan , Pradeep AM
Published: January 2013

This article reports a parametric study on the performance of a high aspect ratio, low speed contra-rotating fan stage. Parameters namely speed ratios of the two rotors and axial spacing between the rotors that play a significant role on the overall performance of the contra-rotating fan stage were evaluated. The rotors have a low hub-tip ratio of 0.35 and chord of 45 mm. The two rotors were designed to develop a pressure rise of 1100 Pa and 900 Pa, respectively, when operating at 2400 r/min and developing a mass flow rate of 6 kg/s. In order to evaluate the performance of the designed rotors, measurements of total pressure at the entry of rotor-1, between the rotors and the exit of rotor-2 were taken using total pressure probe rake, 4-hole probe and a Kiel probe rake. The experiments were conducted for different speed combinations of rotor-1 and rotor-2. All these speed combinations were studied separately for different axial spacing. The performance plots revealed the existence of two stall limits namely, partial stall and full stall. For lower throttle positions, rotor-2 was observed to stall. Further lowering the mass flow rate; reduces the pressure rise capacity of the stage due to stalling of rotor-1 as well as rotor-2. For the design speed operation of rotor-1 in combination with an off-design speed of rotor-2, the flow parameters change significantly. A higher rotational speed of rotor-2 generates a stronger suction effect leading to an overall improvement in the performance of the whole stage. The effect of variation in the axial spacing between the rotors was also studied. The strongest suction effect between the rotors was observed at an axial spacing of 0.9 chord.
The Use of Pentobarbital in Cases of Severe Delirium
Authors: Kerr Christopher W. , Luczkiewicz Debra L. , Holahan Timothy , Milch Robert , Hang Pei C.
Published: January 2013

Delirium is a common syndrome present at the end of life and causes significant distress for patients and families. Sleep disruption is a common precipitating factor for delirium and restoration of sleep may be instrumental in attenuating symptoms. In this cases series, we present three patients who were unresponsive to escalating doses of standard delirium medications, but whose delirium resolved once improved sleep was achieved using Pentobarbital. In a fourth patient, delirium was successfully treated where neuroleptics were contraindicated. Pentobarbital has been shown to reduce the time to sleep onset, decrease the number of body movements during sleep and spontaneous awakenings and increase the total sleep time. Pentobarbital may provide an additional treatment option for patients whose delirium is refractory to standard management approaches.
The Validity of the MSI-BPD Among Inpatient Adolescents
Authors: Noblin J. Leigh , Venta Amanda , Sharp Carla
Published: January 2013

Although the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD) has shown validity in adult samples, only one study has explored its validity in adolescents and, to our knowledge, the measure has not been validated with inpatient adolescents. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the reliability, and convergent and criterion validity, of the MSI-BPD in an effort to establish the clinical utility of the MSI-PBD as a screening measure for BPD in inpatient adolescents. A total of 121 adolescents from an acute care inpatient unit were recruited for the study. Convergent validity was examined with established measures of BPD in adolescents, including the use of receiver operating characteristics analyses to establish a clinical cutoff score for the MSI-BPD in predicting a diagnosis of BPD. Criterion validity was examined by using this clinical cutoff to investigate group differences in suicidal ideation and Axis I symptoms, known correlates of BPD. Findings demonstrated support for validity of the MSI-BPD when used among inpatient adolescents, and established a clinical cutoff of 5.5. Taken together, this study demonstrates adequate validity for the MSI-BPD, and suggests it is a valuable screening measure for BPD in adolescent inpatients.
Red blood cells mediate the onset of thrombosis in the ferric chloride murine model
Authors: Barr Justin D. , Chauhan Anil K. , Schaeffer Gilbert V. , Hansen Jessica K. , Motto David G.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

The ferric chloride model does not result in endothelial denudation. In the ferric chloride model, platelets bind to endothelial-associated RBC-derived material rather than to the endothelial surface.
Effects of HIV-1-induced CD1c and CD1d modulation and endogenous lipid presentation on CD1c-restricted T-cell activation
Authors: Kelly Halonna , Mandraju Rajakumar , Coelho-dos-Reis Jordana GA , Tsuji Moriya
Published: January 2013

Background

It has been shown that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection induces the production of endogenous lipids required for effective viral production, and the cluster of differentiation (CD)1 molecule CD1d is downregulated by HIV-1 infection. However, the role of endogenous lipid presentation and the implications of CD1 downregulation by HIV-1 infection have not yet been characterized.

Results

In this study, we observed downregulation of both CD1c and CD1d expression through a Vpu-dependent and Nef-independent mechanism, and the concomitant HIV-1-induced production of host cholesterol decreased the extent of CD1c and CD1d modulation. While the modest downregulation of CD1c by HIV-1 infection decreased the ability of CD1c-restricted T cells to respond and secrete interferon-γ, the cholesterol upregulation in the same cells by HIV-1 infection appears to limit the downregulation of CD1c.

Conclusions

The two conflicting HIV-1-mediated changes in CD1c expression appear to minimize the modulation of CD1c expression, thus leading the host to maintain a CD1c-restricted T-cell response against HIV-1.
Power of the policy: how the announcement of high-stakes clinical examination altered OSCE implementation at institutional level
Authors: Lin Chi-Wei , Tsai Tsuen-Chiuan , Sun Cheuk-Kwan , Chen Der-Fang , Liu Keh-Min
Published: January 2013

Background

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) has been widely applied as a high-stakes examination for assessing physicians’ clinical competency. In 1992, OSCE was first introduced in Taiwan, and the authorities announced that passing the OSCE would be a prerequisite for step-2 medical licensure examination in 2013. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of the announced national OSCE policy on implementation of OSCE at the institutional level. Further, the readiness and the recognition of barriers toward a high-stakes examination were explored.

Methods

In 2007 and 2010, the year before and after the announcement of high-stakes OSCE policy in 2008, respectively, questionnaires on the status of OSCE implementation were distributed to all hospitals with active OSCE programs in Taiwan. Information on OSCE facilities, equipment, station length, number of administrations per year, and the recognition of barriers to the success of implementing an OSCE were collected. The missing data were completed by telephone interviews. The OSCE format, administration, and facilities before and after the announcement of the nationwide OSCE policy were compared.

Results

The data were collected from 17 hospitals in 2007 and 21 in 2010. Comparing the OSCE formats between 2007 and 2010, the number of stations increased and the station length decreased. The designated space and the equipment for OSCE were also found to have been improved. As for the awareness of OSCE implementation barriers, the hospital representatives concerned mostly about the availability and quality of standardized patients in 2007, as well as space and facilities in 2010.

Conclusions

The results of this study underscored an overall increase in the number of OSCE hospitals and changes in facilities and formats. While recruitment and training of standardized patients were the major concerns before the official disclosure of the policy, space and facilities became the focus of attention after the announcement. The study results highlighted the influence of government policy on different aspects of OSCE implementation in Taiwanese training institutes that showed high level of support as reflected in the improved hardware and the change in OSCE format to serve the summative purpose.
Effects of manual lymphatic drainage on breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Huang Tsai-Wei , Tseng Sung-Hui , Lin Chia-Chin , Bai Chyi-Huey , Chen Ching-Shyang , Hung Chin-Sheng , Wu Chih-Hsiung , Tam Ka-Wai
Published: January 2013

Background

Lymphedema is a common complication of axillary dissection for breast cancer. We investigated whether manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) could prevent or manage limb edema in women after breast-cancer surgery.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of MLD in the prevention and treatment of breast-cancer-related lymphedema. The PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials electronic databases were searched for articles on MLD published before December 2012, with no language restrictions. The primary outcome for prevention was the incidence of postoperative lymphedema. The outcome for management of lymphedema was a reduction in edema volume.

Results

In total, 10 RCTs with 566 patients were identified. Two studies evaluating the preventive outcome of MLD found no significant difference in the incidence of lymphedema between the MLD and standard treatment groups, with a risk ratio of 0.63 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.14 to 2.82. Seven studies assessed the reduction in arm volume, and found no significant difference between the MLD and standard treatment groups, with a weighted mean difference of 75.12 (95% CI, −9.34 to 159.58).

Conclusions

The current evidence from RCTs does not support the use of MLD in preventing or treating lymphedema. However, clinical and statistical inconsistencies between the various studies confounded our evaluation of the effect of MLD on breast-cancer-related lymphedema.
Memristive properties of hexagonal WO3 nanowires induced by oxygen vacancy migration
Authors: He Xiongwu , Yin Yanling , Guo Jie , Yuan Huajun , Peng Yuehua , Zhou Yong , Zhao Ding , Hai Kuo , Zhou Weichang , Tang Dongsheng
Published: January 2013

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) is always oxygen-deficient or non-stoichiometric under atmospheric conditions. Positively charged oxygen vacancies prefer to drift as well as electrons when the electric field is strong enough, which will alter the distribution of oxygen vacancies and then endow WO3 with memristive properties. In Au/WO3 nanowire/Au sandwich structures with two ohmic contacts, the axial distribution of oxygen vacancies and then the electrical transport properties can be more easily modulated by bias voltage. The threshold electric field for oxygen vacancy drifting in single-crystal hexagonal WO3 nanowire is about 106 V/m, one order of magnitude less than that in its granular film. At elevated temperatures, the oxygen vacancy drifts and then the memristive effect can be enhanced remarkably. When the two metallic contacts are asymmetric, the WO3 nanowire devices even demonstrate good rectifying characteristic at elevated temperatures. Based on the drift of oxygen vacancies, nanoelectronic devices such as memristor, rectifier, and two-terminal resistive random access memory can be fabricated on individual WO3 nanowires.
Moderate and prolonged hypercapnic acidosis may protect against ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction in healthy piglet: an in vivo study
Authors: Jung Boris , Sebbane Mustapha , Goff Charlotte Le , Rossel Nans , Chanques Gerald , Futier Emmanuel , Constantin Jean-Michel , Matecki Stefan , Jaber Samir
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Protective ventilation by using limited airway pressures and ventilation may result in moderate and prolonged hypercapnic acidosis, as often observed in critically ill patients. Because allowing moderate and prolonged hypercapnia may be considered protective measure for the lungs, we hypothesized that moderate and prolonged hypercapnic acidosis may protect the diaphragm against ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD). The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of moderate and prolonged (72 hours of mechanical ventilation) hypercapnic acidosis on in vivo diaphragmatic function.

Methods

Two groups of anesthetized piglets were ventilated during a 72-hour period. Piglets were assigned to the Normocapnia group (n = 6), ventilated in normocapnia, or to the Hypercapnia group (n = 6), ventilated with moderate hypercapnic acidosis (PaCO2 from 55 to 70 mm Hg) during the 72-hour period of the study. Every 12 hours, we measured transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) after bilateral, supramaximal transjugular stimulation of the two phrenic nerves to assess in vivo diaphragmatic contractile force. Pressure/frequency curves were drawn after stimulation from 20 to 120 Hz of the phrenic nerves. The protocol was approved by our institutional animal-care committee.

Results

Moderate and prolonged hypercapnic acidosis was well tolerated during the study period. The baseline pressure/frequency curves of the two groups were not significantly different (Pdi at 20 Hz, 32.7 ± 8.7 cm H2O, versus 34.4 ± 8.4 cm H2O; and at 120 Hz, 56.8 ± 8.7 cm H2O versus 60.8 ± 5.7 cm H2O, for Normocapnia and Hypercapnia groups, respectively). After 72 hours of ventilation, Pdi decreased by 25% of its baseline value in the Normocapnia group, whereas Pdi did not decrease in the Hypercapnia group.

Conclusions

Moderate and prolonged hypercapnic acidosis limited the occurrence of VIDD during controlled mechanical ventilation in a healthy piglet model. Consequences of moderate and prolonged hypercapnic acidosis should be better explored with further studies before being tested on patients.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate suppresses TLR-induced CXCL8 secretion from human T cells
Authors: Sharma Naveen , Akhade Ajay Suresh , Qadri Ayub
Published: January 2013

Serum-borne bioactive lipid S1P inhibits TLR- induced secretion of CXCL8 from human T cells, modulating inflammatory responses.

T cells produce a number of cytokines and chemokines upon stimulation with TLR agonists in the presence or absence of TCR signals. Here, we show that secretion of neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL8 from human T cell line Jurkat in response to stimulation with TLR agonists is reduced when cell stimulation is carried out in presence of serum. Serum does not, however, inhibit TCR-activated secretion of CXCL8 nor does it down-regulate TLR-costimulated IL-2 secretion from activated T cells. The molecule that can mimic the ability to bring about suppression in CXCL8 from TLR-activated T cells is serum-borne bioactive lipid, S1P. Serum and S1P-mediated inhibition require intracellular calcium. S1P also suppresses CXCL8 secretion from peripheral blood-derived human T cells activated ex vivo with various TLR ligands. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for S1P in regulating TLR-induced CXCL8 secretion from human T cells.
Early cell lineage specification in a marsupial: a case for diverse mechanisms among mammals
Authors: Frankenberg Stephen , Shaw Geoff , Freyer Claudia , Pask Andrew J. , Renfree Marilyn B.
Published: January 2013

Early cell lineage specification in eutherian mammals results in the formation of a pluripotent inner cell mass (ICM) and trophoblast. By contrast, marsupials have no ICM. Here, we present the first molecular analysis of mechanisms of early cell lineage specification in a marsupial, the tammar wallaby. There was no overt differential localisation of key lineage-specific transcription factors in cleavage and early unilaminar blastocyst stages. Pluriblast cells (equivalent to the ICM) became distinguishable from trophoblast cells by differential expression of POU5F1 and, to a greater extent, POU2, a paralogue of POU5F1. Unlike in the mouse, pluriblast-trophoblast differentiation coincided with a global nuclear-to-cytoplasmic transition of CDX2 localisation. Also unlike in the mouse, Hippo pathway factors YAP and WWTR1 showed mutually distinct localisation patterns that suggest non-redundant roles. NANOG and GATA6 were conserved as markers of epiblast and hypoblast, respectively, but some differences to the mouse were found in their mode of differentiation. Our results suggest that there is considerable evolutionary plasticity in the mechanisms regulating early lineage specification in mammals.
p62/SQSTM1 regulates cellular oxygen sensing by attenuating PHD3 activity through aggregate sequestration and enhanced degradation
Authors: Rantanen Krista , Pursiheimo Juha-Pekka , Högel Heidi , Miikkulainen Petra , Sundström Jari , Jaakkola Panu M.
Published: January 2013

The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase PHD3 regulates cellular responses to hypoxia. In normoxia the expression of PHD3 is low and it occurs in cytosolic aggregates. SQSTM1/p62 (p62) recruits proteins into cytosolic aggregates, regulates metabolism and protein degradation and is downregulated by hypoxia. Here we show that p62 determines the localization, expression and activity of PHD3. In normoxia PHD3 interacted with p62 in cytosolic aggregates, and p62 was required for PHD3 aggregation that was lost upon transfer to hypoxia, allowing PHD3 to be expressed evenly throughout the cell. In line with this, p62 enhanced the normoxic degradation of PHD3. Depletion of p62 in normoxia led to elevated PHD3 levels, whereas forced p62 expression in hypoxia downregulated PHD3. The loss of p62 resulted in enhanced interaction of PHD3 with HIF-α and reduced HIF-α levels. The data demonstrate p62 is a critical regulator of the hypoxia response and PHD3 activity, by inducing PHD3 aggregation and degradation under normoxia.
Negligence Claims in Uk Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Series of 167 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Whittingham-Jones Paul , Williams D , Raja S , Bridle S , Bircher M
Published: January 2013

A review of negligence reports, detailing 227 complaints from the practices of two orthopedic surgeons, was undertaken. There were demonstrable differences in the number of complaints over leg-length discrepancy; femoral fracture and cup malposition when cemented versus uncemented implants were compared. Surgeons must appreciate the less forgiving nature of uncemented hip implants and the importance of preoperative planning particularly in the presence of abnormal anatomy.
Rearrangements within human spliceosomes captured after exon ligation
Authors: Ilagan Janine O. , Chalkley Robert J. , Burlingame A.L. , Jurica Melissa S.
Published: January 2013

In spliceosomes, dynamic RNA/RNA and RNA/protein interactions position the pre-mRNA substrate for the two chemical steps of splicing. Not all of these interactions have been characterized, in part because it has not been possible to arrest the complex at clearly defined states relative to chemistry. Previously, it was shown in yeast that the DEAD/H-box protein Prp22 requires an extended 3′ exon to promote mRNA release from the spliceosome following second-step chemistry. In line with that observation, we find that shortening the 3′ exon blocks cleaved lariat intron and mRNA release in human splicing extracts, which allowed us to stall human spliceosomes in a new post-catalytic complex (P complex). In comparison to C complex, which is blocked at a point following first-step chemistry, we detect specific differences in RNA substrate interactions near the splice sites. These differences include extended protection across the exon junction and changes in protein crosslinks to specific sites in the 5′ and 3′ exons. Using selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry, we quantitatively compared P and C complex proteins and observed enrichment of SF3b components and loss of the putative RNA-dependent ATPase DHX35. Electron microscopy revealed similar structural features for both complexes. Notably, additional density is present when complexes are chemically fixed, which reconciles our results with previously reported C complex structures. Our ability to compare human spliceosomes before and after second-step chemistry has opened a new window to rearrangements near the active site of spliceosomes, which may play roles in exon ligation and mRNA release.
Preface
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Li Guoqiang , Rhea John W.
Published: January 2013

With the ever increasing axle load and traffic volume, premature failure of Heavy Duty Asphalt Pavement and Bridge Deck Pavement has been a major problem facing the academia and industrial community for years. In responding to the challenge, the ISAP (The International Society for Asphalt Pavements) Third International Symposium on Heavy Duty Asphalt Pavement and Bridge Deck Pavement was held in May 23–25, 2012, Nanjing, China. Experts in both academia and industry and from around the world shared their ideas and discussed state-of-the-art advancement in cutting-edge scientific research in related areas.

This special issue on “Heavy Duty Asphalt Pavements and Bridge Deck Pavement” is a collection of 30 papers selected from over 190 papers through a rigorous peer review process in accordance with the academic standards set up by the Journal of Testing and Evaluation. The selected papers cover a broad spectrum of topics from materials to pavement structures, construction, maintenance, and management related to heavy duty pavement and bridge deck pavement. Fundamentally, these topics can be roughly divided into four groups. The first group deals with pavement materials such as design and performance of asphalt mixtures, test methods and characterization of mixtures, innovations in modified asphalt, and recycling. The second group focuses on pavement structures, including axle load investigation and axle load spectrum, semi-rigid base pavement structure, flexible pavement, composite pavement, pavement structure design, and subgrade structure. The focus of the third group is on bridge deck pavement, including mechanics analysis, concrete deck pavement, steel deck pavement, and waterproof layer and bond layer. The last group deals with construction, maintenance and management, including construction technique and equipment, preventive maintenance for heavy traffic roads, policies and measures for overweight control, life cycle assessments, and traffic planning for heavy traffic roads.

The guest editors of this special issue are confi dent that this collection of highly relevant and impactful contributions will be of interest to many diverse audiences, be they in academia or industry. We are grateful to have achieved such a high quality collection of papers and would like to thank the authors for their contributions. We would also like to thank the chief editor and staff in the editorial office of the Journal of Testing and Evaluation for their assistance during the course of organizing this special issue. Furthermore, we would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their rigorous review. We would like to encourage the whole field to continue the progress in all fronts related to heavy duty pavement and bridge deck pavement.