bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing public spheres: Normative models and empirical measurements
Authors: Downey John , Mihelj Sabina , König Thomas
Published: December 2012

Most contemporary work on public spheres tends to adopt, either explicitly or implicitly, Habermas’s idea of a deliberative public sphere as a normative model. There are, however, a number of other normative models available that are rarely the subject of empirical scrutiny: republican, liberal and multicultural. This article poses the empirical question of whether actually existing public spheres more closely resemble one model rather than another. To answer this question, the authors develop ways to measure public spheres, at both national and transnational level. They ground this attempt to move comparative media analysis forward conceptually and empirically via a case study comparing media content about the EU Constitution in six countries.
Does Game Playing Experience Have an Impact on the Player-PNPC Relationship?
Authors: Daviault Christine
Published: December 2012

There are several types of characters in video games: the main protagonist/hero, the countless non-player characters (NPCs), and persistent non-player characters (PNPCs). While there is a substantial body of research about PNPCs from a game design point of view, they have been largely ignored by the academic community from a narrative perspective. The current essay aims to evaluate whether video game playing experience has an impact on a player’s reliance on the guidance of PNPCs in game play and if a higher degree of experience enables a player to have a better appreciation for the narrative qualities of PNPCs as well as their complexity as characters.
Achievement Goal Validation Among African American High School Students
Authors: Hart Caroline O. , Mueller Christian E. , Royal Kenneth D. , Jones Martin H.
Published: December 2012

Achievement goal theory helps describe how and why students engage in various academic behaviors. Historically, achievement goals have been examined almost exclusively with undergraduate, nonminority samples, and predominately with factor analytic techniques. The present study adds to a growing literature by providing initial validation of a leading achievement goal measure, the Achievement Goal Questionnaire-Revised (AGQ-R; Elliot & Murayama, 2008), among rural ( N = 186) and urban ( N = 197) African American high school students. Collectively, results from both confirmatory factor and Rasch analyses highlight issues that should be considered when using the AGQ-R among African American high school students.
Optimal control of an electromagnetic power-split hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Yu Haisheng , Zhang Jianwu , Zhang Tong , Tang Xiaolin
Published: December 2012

A new electromagnetic power-split hybrid electric vehicle is introduced in this paper. This system, which has a dual-rotor brush motor, was developed with the aim of combining all the advantages of an internal-combustion engine and two electric motors in an optimal way so as to improve the power performance and the fuel economy. This system can be used as an electromagnetic, continuously variable transmission. The architecture and analogy of the electromagnetic power-split hybrid electric vehicle are analysed; a control strategy is designed and explained in detail. The system’s optimal zone is designed. To evaluate the performance and the control strategy, the tests were performed on the chassis dynamometer under the New European Driving Cycle. The economic performance of the electromagnetic power-split hybrid electric vehicle is analysed. The operational zones of the engines of an electromagnetic power-split hybrid electric vehicle and of a conventional vehicle were compared. The results indicate that the designed vehicle control strategy of the electromagnetic power-split hybrid electric vehicle worked properly under the New European Driving Cycle and that the engine worked in the optimized zone. The average fuel consumption under the New European Driving Cycle is 4.75 l/100 km; the saved petrol ratio is 41.3% compared with that of the related prototype vehicle.
Variable stiffness biological and bio-inspired materials
Authors: Saavedra Flores Erick I , Friswell Michael I , Xia Yuying
Published: December 2012

This article reviews the main mechanisms of stiffness variation typically found in nature. The temporal changes in stiffness may be fully or partially reversible, or completely irreversible, and can be very slow or fast in time depending on the strategy adopted to alter the mechanical properties. It is also possible to observe changes in the stiffness in order to recover the original mechanical properties in damaged natural materials by means of self-healing mechanisms. In addition to stiffness variations in time, natural materials can also exhibit stiffness changes in space. These variations can be represented by alterations in the spatial distribution of the microscopic constituents across multiple hierarchical scales, from very small physical scales to large macroscopic dimensions. In order to optimise the strength and multifunctionality of these materials, spatial changes can also occur over larger areas at one single scale. In addition, several examples are provided to illustrate how natural materials have been exploited further in order to develop new bio-inspired materials.
Symptomatic Improvement Reported After Receiving Reiki at a Cancer Infusion Center
Authors: Marcus Dawn A. , Blazek-O'Neill Betsy , Kopar Jennifer L.
Published: December 2012

Objective:

To evaluate patient-perceived benefits from receiving Reiki at a cancer infusion center.

Methods:

During a 6-month period, adults at a university hospital receiving Reiki through volunteer services were invited to complete a survey asking about perceived changes after Reiki. Changes in pain, mood, distress, sleep, and appetite were rated on a 5-point scale from no benefit to great benefit. Surveys were distributed after completing treatment and were returned in postage-paid envelops.

Results:

A total of 145 surveys were completed (34.5% response rate), with 47 participants seen in the cancer infusion center and 98 in other areas of the hospital. Reiki was rated as a positive experience by 94% at the cancer center and 93% of others, with 92% at the cancer center and 86% of others interested in receiving additional Reiki sessions. Symptomatic improvement was similar for people at the cancer center and others, respectively, with much to great improvement for 89% and 86% for relaxation, 75% and 75% for anxiety/worry, 81% and 78% for improved mood, 43% and 35% for improved sleep, 45% and 49% for reduced pain, 38% and 43% for reduced isolation/loneliness, 75% and 63% for improved attitude, and 30% and 30% for improved appetite. Response was unaffected by previous exposure to Reiki, massage, or other touch therapy.

Conclusion:

Reiki results in a broad range of symptomatic benefits, including improvements in common cancer-related symptoms.
Twelve Uneasy Pieces on Research and Therapy
Authors: Richardson Laurel
Published: December 2012

In this article, the author chronicles two specific days plus her academic career from the intersecting lenses of research and therapy.
Crossing the Rabbit Hole
Authors: Ellis Carolyn
Published: December 2012

This series of autoethnographic narratives addresses vulnerability and reflexivity in coping with loss. The stories took place during two months of summer 2011 at a log cabin in the North Carolina mountains where the author spends her summers with her partner and two dogs. Representative of the kinds of losses that regularly happen to all of us, these stories are extraordinary only to those who must live and manage them. The author concludes with a consideration of autoethnographic writing as a form of continual life review. Unlike traditional oral life reviews, the narratives told here are written and revised literary accounts that focus on particular events of daily living in the near rather than remote past. They offer a way to incorporate loss into the whole of life and contemplate a future, rather than a focus on the past in preparation for one’s death.
Telling
Authors: Tamas Sophie , Wyatt Jonathan
Published: December 2012

Testimony—the process of narrating yourself before a witness—lies at the heart of qualitative research and therapy. In both, the authors seek stories we can live in, trying on analytic frames to make sense of experience. Testimonial acts may be seen as the engine of personal and social change and our primary source of knowledge. However, particularly in contexts of trauma and difference, testimony may be troubled by our discursive constraints and relations of power. This piece offers a performative, open-ended exploration of the (mis)uses of testimony within and between scholarly and therapeutic frames.
ADHD Symptoms and Cognitive Abilities in the Midlife Cohort of the PATH Through Life Study
Authors: Das Debjani , Cherbuin Nicolas , Anstey Kaarin J. , Easteal Simon
Published: December 2012

Objective: ADHD is a lifelong condition, but it remains understudied in older adults. We examined the effects of ADHD-related inattention and hyperactivity symptoms on cognitive abilities in middle-age adults. Method: ADHD symptoms and cognitive abilities were accessed in a population-based sample ( N = 2,091). Multiple regression analyses evaluated the effect of dimensional and categorical measures of ADHD on performance in cognitive tests. Results: ADHD symptoms are negatively associated with measures of reaction time, processing speed, task-switching, mental flexibility, and an aggregate measure of cognition. Inattention and hyperactive symptoms have reciprocal effects on performance in some cognitive tasks. Significant subclinical effects are present. Conclusion: Our demonstration that cognitive effects of ADHD symptoms are present in the middle-age population provides the impetus to investigate whether these effects contribute to cognitive decline in late age and whether identification and treatment of ADHD symptoms in middle age might be effective in reducing late-age cognitive decline.
Design of an active hydromagnetic journal bearing
Authors: Farmakopoulos MG , Nikolakopoulos PG , Papadopoulos CA
Published: December 2012

An active hydromagnetic journal bearing is designed and presented in this study, which is a new and innovative type of hybrid journal bearing. The proposed new mechatronic smart device has a common bearing shell that contains the two parts of the bearing, which is an attempt to combine the advantages of both types of bearings to overcome their drawbacks and give rise to new possibilities for instability control, increased load-carrying capacity, diagnostics of the rotor system, etc. The active hydromagnetic journal bearing should operate as either a hydrodynamic, active magnetic or hybrid journal bearing, depending on the needs of the rotating machinery. The hydrodynamic lubrication is developed in the inner bearing surface, and the electromagnets of the magnetic bearing are placed outside its outer surface. The active hydromagnetic journal bearing is designed with the appropriate clearance, so that both the hydrodynamic and magnetic bearings can operate. The suitable operational regions for the active hydromagnetic journal bearing are calculated and presented as a combination of the optimum ratio between the air gap and the clearance. Additionally, a simulation code using the two-dimensional finite element method (ANSYS) is developed to simulate the performance of the magnetic component of the active hydromagnetic journal bearing, and the ANSYS software is used to obtain a solution for the hydrodynamic pressure field. The dynamic characteristics of the hybrid journal bearing in terms of the stiffness and damping coefficients versus the Sommerfeld number are calculated and presented. In the hybrid bearing operation, the corresponding stiffness and damping coefficients are used to simulate the hydromagnetic bearing dynamic behaviour. Each hybrid coefficient consists of two parts; the hydrodynamic and the magnetic part. When the operation is purely hydrodynamic, the magnetic parts of the dynamic coefficients are zero and vice versa, whereas both parts are present in the hybrid operation mode.
Effectiveness of an adventure-based training programme in promoting the psychological well-being of primary schoolchildren
Authors: Li William HC , Chung Joyce OK , Ho Eva KY
Published: December 2012

This study tested the effectiveness of an adventure-based training programme in promoting the psychological well-being of primary schoolchildren. A randomised controlled trial was conducted, with 56 primary school pupils randomly assigned to the experimental group participating in the adventure-based training programme and 64 to the attention placebo control group. Children in the experimental group reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms, lower anxiety levels and higher self-esteem than those in the attention placebo control group. This study provides some evidence that the adventure-based training programme is effective in promoting the psychological well-being of Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren.
A longitudinal examination of sexually transmitted infection/HIV prevention knowledge and sexually transmitted infections among African-American adolescent females
Authors: Voisin Dexter R , Tan Kevin , DiClemente Ralph J
Published: December 2012

This study examines whether sexually transmitted infection prevention knowledge predicts the acquisition of biologically confirmed sexually transmitted infections among African-American adolescent females. A total of 715 females were recruited from public health clinics in Atlanta, Georgia, and using audio computer-assisted self-interview technology, we assessed for demographics, sexually transmitted infection prevention knowledge, risky sexual behaviors, and sexually transmitted infections. After controlling for demographics and prior risky sexual behaviors, participants with high prevention knowledge were 0.09 times less likely to report sexually transmitted infections, and those with multiple sexual partners were 1.3 times more likely to report sexually transmitted infections. Our findings suggest that the promotion of accurate sexually transmitted prevention knowledge is critical especially among females with multiple sex partners.
An Indoor Human Activity Recognition System for Smart Home Using Local Binary Pattern Features with Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Uddin Md Zia , Kim Deok-Hwan , Kim Jeong Tai , Kim Tae-Seong
Published: December 2012

Smart home technologies are getting considerable attentions nowadays for better care of the residents, especially the elderly. One of the key technologies is the human activity recognition (HAR) system which automatically recognizes various indoor activities of a resident and reacts upon the needs of the resident, known as a proactive system. In this work, we propose a novel HAR system that utilizes depth imaging. Our HAR system utilizes local binary patterns (LBP) as local activity features from depth silhouettes and recognizes human activities via Hidden Markov Model (HMM). In our methodology, first LBP features were extracted from depth human body silhouettes from each frame of a video containing human activity. Then, principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were performed over the LBP features to obtain condensed features. Applying these features, each activity HMM was trained. Finally, HAR was performed with the trained HMMs. Our approach shows superior recognition performance over the traditional silhouette feature-based approaches. The system should be practical to be used for smart homes.
An Assessment of CO2 Emission of the Structural Composite Hybrid Beam Based on Strain Compatibility
Authors: Kim Ji-Hun , Hong Won-Kee , Park Seon-Chee , Lim Gyun-Taek , Ko Hyo-Jin , Kim Jeong Tai
Published: December 2012

Structural composite hybrid beams consist of a rolled wide-flange steel shaped to allow the bottom flange and/or a portion of the web of the steel section partially encased in pre-cast concrete. For each limit state, a series of plastic strain distributions corresponding to a particular location of the neutral axis and stresses in the reinforcing steel and steel section was assumed. For the assumed strain distributions, equations were derived based on equilibrium equations and solved for the neutral axis and stress levels in the concrete block, the reinforcing steels and the steel section. The calculated stress levels in the structural components were compared with the assumed stresses obtained from the assumed strain distribution. The strain compatibility approach allows for analytical calculations that correlate well, thus avoiding the need for complex and tedious calculations of the flexural moment capacity for complex structures. In this work, Green Beam and steel beam with the same flexural moment capacity were compared and the ability of the Green Beam to reduce CO2 emissions was demonstrated.
Optical Daylighting Performance of an Active Mirror System for Visual Sustainability of Residential Environment
Authors: Kim Jeong Tai , Kim Gon
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a newly developed mirror sunlighting system approach that would enable architects to consider daylighting goals by engaging the sunlighting system in early design process to make up for the handicaps of lower daylighting availability due to the geographical disadvantage of obstructed location of the building. A mirror sunlighting system was developed and installed in a building complex and its performance was measured in terms of illuminance and luminance with critical meteorological variables. The findings of this study make recommendations for use of appropriate optical daylighting systems for building applications and suggest directions for future development to facilitate wider acceptance of optical systems. The results of the case studies of recently-built examples indicate that the sunlighting system may retain some of the visual qualities of the space's sustainability, such as maximizing daylighting. A series of analysis implied that the sky conditions should be carefully considered in the prediction of daylighting performance of a mirror sunlighting system.
Overall Environmental Modelling of Newly Designed Curtain Wall Façade Configurations
Authors: Kim Gon , Lim Hong Soo , Schaefer Laura , Kim Jeong Tai
Published: December 2012

There has been a rapidly growing interest among contemporary architects in recent years in the innovative use of curtain walls as a building enclosure. A curtain wall is a glass and metal skin that wraps the entire building in a continuous, transparent layer. This modern design provides a relatively desirable environment for the occupants. The glass façade allows light and diffused views into the surroundings during the day and can become a glowing and aesthetically pleasing aspect of the skyline at night. The key visual features of curtain walls are the glazing appearance and sightlines, but the window selection plays a key role in determining the overall building's environmental performance. The complex layering of glass should be strategic as well as artistic, balancing light and shade to optimize light and minimize heat gain. Recently, a series of curtain wall system have been developed with an emphasis on the technical issues, such as structural stability, energy efficiency, sustainable strategies, daylighting, and materials. This design case project explores in depth the overall environmental performance of the leading-edge curtain wall assemblies using computer programs such as Virtual Environment and Radiance, which allow estimation of total U-values and helps predict daylighting performance.
Daylight Availability Models for Global and Diffuse Horizontal Illuminance in Yongin, South Korea
Authors: Kong Hyo Joo , Kim Jeong Tai
Published: December 2012

This paper presents the daylight availability and models of global and diffuse horizontal illuminance in Korea. With 1-min interval, the illuminance data were being measured at the Kyung Hee University, located in the capital region of Korea. Daylight illuminance data were conducted from August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2012 during summer, autumn, winter and spring. Data analysis was carried out using hourly and cumulative frequency distribution of global and diffuse horizontal illuminance. The model of global and diffuse horizontal illuminance for the annual data were then presented for predicting global or diffuse horizontal illuminance for all sky conditions. It was found that the global and diffuse horizontal illuminance model were the lowest mean bias error and root mean square error under clear, partly cloudy and overcast sky. The new model can provide very good accuracy for the estimation of global and diffuse horizontal illuminance under clear, partly cloudy and overcast sky.
Towards a hyperlinked society: A critical review of link studies
Authors: De Maeyer Juliette
Published: December 2012

The hyperlink is a fundamental feature of the web. This paper investigates how hyperlinks have been used as research objects in social sciences. Reviewing a body of literature belonging to sociology, political sciences, information sciences, geography or media studies, it particularly reflects on the study of hyperlinks as indicators of other social phenomena. Why are links counted and hyperlink networks measured? How are links interpreted? The paper then focuses on barriers and limitations to the study of links. It addresses the issue of unobtrusiveness, the importance of interpreting links in context, and the possibilities of large-scale, automatic link studies. We finally argue that beyond the apparent diversity and ad hoc methodologies that the reviewed studies propose, a unified framework exists. It combines quantitative link counts, qualitative inquiries and valuation of field expertise to support link interpretation.
Poetry 4 U: Pinning poems under/over/through the streets
Authors: Berry Marsha , Goodwin Omega
Published: December 2012

This article explores how a new generation of smartphones, social software, GPS and other location-based technologies offer the ability to create new cultural spaces and publication models. These technologies allow us to digitally superimpose information on the physical world which, in turn, allows for the re-imagining of places and even identity. In this article a locative and social media art project is presented that engages with Melbourne’s status as the second UNESCO City of Literature. The project brings poetry into the street while, at the same time, occupying the floating worlds of social media. By pinning community-generated poetry to site-specific spaces on Google Maps, the article argues that a layer of narrative can be added to the readers’ perceptions of their immediate surroundings when viewing the site-specific poems through their mobile phones. Finally, the article considers the implications of Web 2.0, smartphones and location-based technologies for creative writing and arts practices.
The role of academic publishers in shaping the development of Web 2.0 services for scholarly communication
Authors: Stewart James , Procter Rob , Williams Robin , Poschen Meik
Published: December 2012

This paper examines how two contrasting academic publishers are responding to the opportunities and challenges of Web 2.0 to innovate their services. Our findings highlight the need to take seriously the role of publishers in the move towards a vision of more rapid and open scholarly communication and to understand the factors that shape their role as intermediaries in the innovation pathways that may be needed to achieve it.
The intellectual and institutional properties of learning: Historical reflections on patronage, autonomy, and transaction
Authors: Willinsky John , Provençal Johanne
Published: December 2012

This paper attempts to cast a little historical light on current debate among scholars and publishers that appears to be over whether the academic journal is an endlessly exploitable commercial property or a public good to which all have right. It identifies key patterns in the patronage of medieval monasticism that helped to establish learning as an economically distinct form of labor, and is part of a larger historical project on the intellectual and institutional properties of learning in the West. Through the beneficence shown toward monasteries by the nobility and others, learned nuns and monks were able to operate with a degree of autonomy and trust in their scholarly work. The resulting manuscripts were directed toward the learning of others and, as such, were copied and circulated widely within the admittedly narrow confines of the monastic community. These scholarly labors became part of what attracted the continuing gifts of benefactors, who were prepared to direct a portion of their wealth to this expression of piety and discipline. This paper reflects, then, on institutional conditions that proved vital to the advancement of learning in the centuries leading up to the emergence of the university system in the Late Middle Ages. As such, it forms a point of historical reflection for the academic community today, as it reconsiders the principles by which research and scholarship should circulate within the new possibilities posed by the digital era.
Gratitude – invisibly webbing society together
Authors: Cantó-Milà Natàlia
Published: December 2012

This paper traces a line between Simmel’s formal sociology, his little-reviewed concept of ‘forms of second order’, his apriorities for social life and his incipient sociology of emotions. Thus different elements of Simmel’s sociology are brought together and linked. These elements were all present in his 1908 monograph, Sociology, but were not connected to each other in the way that they have been interconnected here. The social form of ‘gratitude’ is presented as a paradigmatic ‘form of second order’, and thus illustrates the way in which forms of sociation, especially second-order forms of sociation, are deeply connected to the apriorities of social life.
Activists, Individualists, and Comics
Authors: Riegert Kristina , Ramsay Gail
Published: December 2012

This article examines whether the ways Lebanese bloggers blur the boundaries between the national and transnational, the formal and informal, and entertainment and politics can be described as counter-publics. We focus on the ten most popular individual blogs in Lebanon during the time period April 2009–2010, noting bloggers’ mutual connectivity and links to online media in Lebanon. We then analyze themes common to these blogs, focusing specifically on how Lebanese bloggers question the norms and push the boundaries of what can be said mediated public sphere. While there are differences between the bloggers not least due to whether they are writing in Arabic or English—almost all explicitly criticize the current sectarian system, human rights violations, as well as existing religious, gender and environmental norms. Whether they see themselves as cosmopolitan or locally based activists, a significant minority uses humor and political satire as key elements in their blogs.
Technical and Clinical Outcome of Topical Wound Oxygen in Comparison to Conventional Compression Dressings in the Management of Refractory Nonhealing Venous Ulcers
Authors: Tawfick Wael A. , Sultan Sherif
Published: December 2012

Topical wound oxygen (TWO2) proposes an option in the management of refractory nonhealing venous ulcers (RVUs). End points are proportion of ulcers healed at 12 weeks, recurrence rates, reduction in ulcer size, and time to full healing. A total of 67 patients with RVU were managed using TWO2 and 65 patients with conventional compression dressings (CCDs) for 12 weeks or till full healing. Mean reduction in ulcer surface area at 12 weeks was 96% in patients managed with TWO2 and 61% in patients managed with CCD. At 12 weeks, 76% of the TWO2-managed ulcers had completely healed, compared to 46% of the CCD-managed ulcers ( P < .0001). Median time to full healing was 57 days in patients managed with TWO2 and 107 days in patients managed with CCD ( P< .0001). After 36 months follow-up, 14 of the 30 healed CCD ulcers showed recurrence compared to 3 of the 51 TWO2-healed ulcers. The TWO2 is effective and valuable in managing RVU. The TWO2 slashes the time required for RVU healing and radically decreases the recurrence rates.
A computational pipeline for the development of multi-marker bio-signature panels and ensemble classifiers
Authors: Günther Oliver P , Chen Virginia , Freue Gabriela Cohen , Balshaw Robert F , Tebbutt Scott J , Hollander Zsuzsanna , Takhar Mandeep , McMaster W Robert , McManus Bruce M , Keown Paul A , Ng Raymond T
Published: December 2012

Background

Biomarker panels derived separately from genomic and proteomic data and with a variety of computational methods have demonstrated promising classification performance in various diseases. An open question is how to create effective proteo-genomic panels. The framework of ensemble classifiers has been applied successfully in various analytical domains to combine classifiers so that the performance of the ensemble exceeds the performance of individual classifiers. Using blood-based diagnosis of acute renal allograft rejection as a case study, we address the following question in this paper: Can acute rejection classification performance be improved by combining individual genomic and proteomic classifiers in an ensemble?

Results

The first part of the paper presents a computational biomarker development pipeline for genomic and proteomic data. The pipeline begins with data acquisition (e.g., from bio-samples to microarray data), quality control, statistical analysis and mining of the data, and finally various forms of validation. The pipeline ensures that the various classifiers to be combined later in an ensemble are diverse and adequate for clinical use. Five mRNA genomic and five proteomic classifiers were developed independently using single time-point blood samples from 11 acute-rejection and 22 non-rejection renal transplant patients. The second part of the paper examines five ensembles ranging in size from two to 10 individual classifiers. Performance of ensembles is characterized by area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, as derived from the probability of acute rejection for individual classifiers in the ensemble in combination with one of two aggregation methods: (1) Average Probability or (2) Vote Threshold. One ensemble demonstrated superior performance and was able to improve sensitivity and AUC beyond the best values observed for any of the individual classifiers in the ensemble, while staying within the range of observed specificity. The Vote Threshold aggregation method achieved improved sensitivity for all 5 ensembles, but typically at the cost of decreased specificity.

Conclusion

Proteo-genomic biomarker ensemble classifiers show promise in the diagnosis of acute renal allograft rejection and can improve classification performance beyond that of individual genomic or proteomic classifiers alone. Validation of our results in an international multicenter study is currently underway.
Induction of IFNα or IL-12 depends on differentiation of THP-1 cells in dengue infections without and with antibody enhancement
Authors: Chen Rong-Fu , Wang Lin , Cheng Jiin-Tsuey , Yang Kuender D
Published: December 2012

Background

Appropriate induction of the early Th1 cytokine IL-12 is a critical defense directed against viral infection. We have previously shown that different viruses elicited either IL-12 or IFNα dependent Th1 reactions. Using dengue-2 virus, we sought to explore how dengue-2 induced IL-12 or IFNα expression by monocytic and its derived dendritic cells.

Methods

We employed human monocytic cell line, THP-1, to investigate whether differentiation of monocytic cells is involved in the switch between IFNα and IL-12 induction. Flow cytometry, RT-PCR and ELISA were respectively used to determine cell differentiation, IL-12 and IFNα mRNA expression and protein production.

Results

THP-1, expressing CD123, which is a plasmacytoid dendritic cell marker, but not CD14, CD11b or CD11c revealed IFNα mRNA expression while stimulated by dengue-2. In contrast, PMA-induced THP-1 differentiation toward monocytic cells expressed CD11b+, and CD14+, but not CD123, and revealed exclusively IL-12 expression while stimulated by dengue-2. Further studies showed that CD123+ expressing THP-1 cells elicited higher IFNα expression in dose and time dependent induction after infection, and PMA-induced monocytic differentiation of THP-1 cells revealed IL-12 expression. Antibody-dependent enhancement of DEN-2 infection significantly suppressed the DEN-2 induced IL-12 p40 expression in monocytic differentiated THP-1 cells.

Conclusions

Clarification and modulation of the early Th1 reaction in different monocytic cells may change or prevent complication from dengue infection.
In-vitro characterization of novel and functional regulatory SNPs in the promoter region of IL2 and IL2R alpha in a Gabonese population
Authors: Huang Xiangsheng , Kühne Vera , Kun Jürgen F J , Soboslay Peter T , Lell Bertrand , TP Velavan
Published: December 2012

Background

The selection pressure imposed by the parasite has a functional consequence on the immune genes, leading to altered immune function in which regulatory T cells (Tregs) induced by parasites during infectious challenges modulate or thwart T effector cell mechanism.

Methods

We identified and investigated regulatory polymorphisms in the immune geneIL2and its receptorIL2R alpha(also known asCD25) in Gabonese individuals exposed to plentiful parasitic infections.

Results

We identified two reported variants each forIL2and its receptorIL2R alpha gene loci.Also identified were two novel variants, -83 /-84CTdeletions (ss410961576)forIL2and -409C/T(ss410961577)forIL2R alpha. We further validated all identified promoter variants for their allelic gene expression using transient transfection assays. Three promoter variants of theIL2locus revealed no significant expression of the reporter gene. The identified novel variant (ss410961577C/T) of theIL2R alpharevealed a significant higher expression of the reporter gene in comparison to the major allele (P<0.05). In addition, thers12722616C/Tvariant of theIL2R alphalocus altered the transcription factor binding site TBP (TATA box binding protein) and C/EBP beta (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta) that are believed to regulate the Treg function.

Conclusions

The identification and validation of such regulatory polymorphisms in the immune genes may provide a basis for future studies on parasite susceptibility in a population where T cell functions are compromised.
Impact of stem cell marker expression on recurrence of TACE-treated hepatocellular carcinoma post liver transplantation
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Ren Jinyu , O’Neil Maura , Zhao Jie , Bridges Brian , Cox Josiah , Abdulkarim Bashar , Schmitt Timothy M , Kumer Sean C , Weinman Steven A
Published: December 2012

Background

Liver transplantation is the most effective therapy for cirrhosis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but its utility is limited by post-transplant tumor recurrence. Use of the Milan, size-based criteria, has reduced recurrence rate to less than 10% but many patients remain ineligible. Reduction of tumor size with local therapies has been used to “downstage” patients to allow them to qualify for transplantation, but the optimal criteria to predict tumor recurrence in these latter patients has not been established. The existence of a progenitor cell population, sometimes called cancer stem cells (CSCs), has been proposed to be one mechanism accounting for the chemotherapy resistance and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to determine if transcatheter arterial chemoemolization (TACE) treated tumors have increased CSC marker expression and whether these markers could be used to predict tumor recurrence.

Methods

Formalin fixed specimens were obtained from 39 HCC liver explants (23 with no treatment and 16 after TACE). Immunohistochemical staining was performed for EpCAM, CD44, CD90, and CD133. Staining for each marker was scored 0–3 by evaluating the number and intensity of positive tumor cells in 5 hpf of tumor in each specimen.

Results

TACE treated tumors displayed greater necrosis and fibrosis than non-TACE treated samples but there were no differences in morphology between the viable tumor cells of both groups. In TACE treated specimens, the staining of both EpCAM and CD133 was greater than in non-TACE specimens but CD44 and CD90 were the same. In the TACE group, the presence of high EpCAM staining was associated with tumor recurrence. Four of ten EpCAM high patients recurred while 0 of 6 EpCAM low patients recurred (P = 0.040). None of the other markers predicted recurrence.

Conclusion

High pre-transplant EpCAM staining predicted HCC recurrence. This suggests that the abundance of tumor cells with a CSC phenotype may be a critical factor in the likelihood of tumor recurrence in patients receiving liver transplantation after TACE.
A novel model-based approach for dose determination of glycopyrronium bromide in COPD
Authors: Arievich Helen , Overend Tim , Renard Didier , Gibbs Michael , Alagappan Vijay , Looby Michael , Banerji Donald
Published: December 2012

Background

Glycopyrronium bromide (NVA237) is an inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonist in development for treatment of COPD. This study compared the efficacy and safety of once-daily (OD) and twice-daily (BID) glycopyrronium bromide regimens, using a novel model-based approach, in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

Methods

Double-blind, randomized, dose-finding trial with an eight-treatment, two-period, balanced incomplete block design. Patients (smoking history ≥10 pack-years, post-bronchodilator FEV1 ≥30% and <80% predicted, FEV1/FVC <0.7) were randomized to one of 16 independent sequences for 28 days. Primary endpoint: mean trough FEV1 at Day 28.

Results

385 patients (mean age 61.2 years; mean post-bronchodilator FEV1 53% predicted) were randomized; 88.6% completed. All OD and BID dosing regimens produced dose-dependent bronchodilation; at Day 28, increases in mean trough FEV1 versus placebo were statistically significant for all regimens, ranging from 51 mL (glycopyrronium bromide 12.5 μg OD) to 160 mL (glycopyrronium bromide 50 μg BID). Pharmacodynamic steady-state was reached by Day 7. There was a small separation (≤37 mL) between BID and OD dose–response curves for mean trough FEV1 at steady-state in favour of BID dosing. Over 24 hours, separation between OD and BID regimens was even smaller (FEV1 AUC0-24h maximum difference for equivalent daily dose regimens: 8 mL). Dose–response results for FEV1 at 12 hours, FEV1 AUC0-12h and FEV1 AUC0-4h at steady-state showed OD regimens provided greater improvement over placebo than BID regimens for total daily doses of 25 μg, 50 μg and 100 μg, while the reverse was true for OD versus BID regimens from 12–24 hours. The 12.5 μg BID dose produced a marginally higher improvement in trough FEV1 versus placebo than 50 μg OD, however, the response at 12 hours over placebo was suboptimal (74 mL). Glycopyrronium bromide was safe and well tolerated at all doses.

Conclusions

Glycopyrronium bromide 50 μg OD provides significant bronchodilation over a 24 hour period, and in terms of FEV1 AUC0-24h is not significantly different than the same total daily dose administered BID. Importantly, OD dosing may confer better patient adherence. The results are consistent with previous glycopyrronium bromide studies and support once-daily dosing of glycopyrronium bromide 50 μg in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01119950
Plasmodium vivax congenital malaria in an area of very low endemicity in Guatemala: implications for clinical and epidemiological surveillance in a malaria elimination context
Authors: Castellanos María Eugenia , Bardají Azucena , Menegon Michela , Mayor Alfredo , Desai Meghna , Severini Carlo , Menéndez Clara , Padilla Norma
Published: December 2012

This is a report of the first Plasmodium vivax congenital malaria case in Guatemala and the first case in Latin America with genotypical, histological and clinical characterization. The findings show that maternal P. vivax infection still occurs in areas that are in the pathway towards malaria elimination, and can be associated with detrimental health effects for the neonate. It also highlights the need in very low transmission areas of not only maintaining, but increasing awareness of the problem and developing surveillance strategies, based on population risk, to detect the infection especially in this vulnerable group of the population.
Radiation treatment with volumetric modulated arc therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Early clinical outcome and toxicity profile from a retrospective analysis of 138 patients
Authors: Wang Po-Ming , Hsu Wei-Chung , Chung Na-Na , Chang Feng-Ling , Fogliata Antonella , Cozzi Luca
Published: December 2012

Background

To report early outcome and toxicity for inoperable patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

Methods

One hundred and thirty eight patients were retrospectively analysed. Dose prescription ranged from 45 to 66Gy with conventional fractionation regime. Based on AJCC staging, 88.4% presented stage III or IV. Two-thirds (69.6%) were Child-Pugh stage A, the remaining were stage B. According to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging, 72.5% of patients were classified as stage C.

Results

Median age was 66 years, median tumor volume was 516cm3 (28 to 3620cm3). The most patients (83%) were treated with 60Gy. Median follow-up time was 9 months. One-year overall survival rate was 45% (100% for AJCC stage I, 83% for stage II, 45% for stage III and 28% for stage IV), median survival was 10.3 months (95% C.I. 7.2-13.3). Local control was achieved in 94% (of 109 assessable patients), stable disease in 29%, partial response in 53%, complete response in 11%, and progression in 6%. Radiation-induced liver disease was observed in 34 patients (25%). Gastrointestinal grade 3 toxicity was modest with a total of 17 (12.3%) cases for all endpoints.

Conclusions

Clinical results could suggest to introduce VMAT as an appropriate technique for the patients with HCC.
Gabapentin reduces CX3CL1 signaling and blocks spinal microglial activation in monoarthritic rats
Authors: Yang Jia-Le , Xu Bo , Li Shuang-Shuang , Zhang Wei-Shi , Xu Hua , Deng Xiao-Ming , Zhang Yu-Qiu
Published: December 2012

Background

Spinal glia, particularly microglia and astrocytes, are of the utmost importance in the development and maintenance of chronic pain. A recent study from our laboratory revealed that gabapentin, a recommended first-line treatment for multiple neuropathic conditions, could also efficiently antagonize thermal hyperalgesia evoked by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced monoarthritis (MA). In the present study, we investigated whether the spinal glia are involved in the anti-hyperalgesic effect of gabapentin and how this event occurs.

Results

Unilateral intra-articular injection of CFA produced a robust activation of microglia and astrocytes. These cells exhibited large cell bodies, thick processes and increases in the ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1, a microglial marker) or the glia fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, an astrocytic marker). These cells also displayed immunoreactive signals, and an upregulation of the voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) α2/δ-1 subunit, CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 expression levels in the spinal cord. These changes were associated with the development of thermal hyperalgesia. Immunofluorescence staining showed that VGCC α2/δ-1 subunit, a proposed gabapentin target of action, was widely distributed in primary afferent fibers terminals and dorsal horn neurons. CX3CL1, a potential trigger to activate microglia, colocalized with VGCC α2/δ-1 subunits in the spinal dorsal horn. However, its receptor CX3CR1 was mainly expressed in the spinal microglia. Multiple intraperitoneal (i.p.) gabapentin injections (100 mg/kg, once daily for 4 days with the first injection 60 min before intra-articular CFA) suppressed the activation of spinal microglia, downregulated spinal VGCC α2/δ-1 subunits decreased CX3CL1 levels and blocked the development of thermal hyperalgesia in MA rats.

Conclusions

Here we provide the first evidence that gabapentin diminishes CX3CL1 signaling and spinal microglia activation induced by joint inflammation. We also show that the VGCC α2/δ-1 subunits might be involved in these events.
Cell-scale dynamic recycling and cortical flow of the actin–myosin cytoskeleton for rapid cell migration
Authors: Yumura Shigehiko , Itoh Go , Kikuta Yumi , Kikuchi Takeomi , Kitanishi-Yumura Toshiko , Tsujioka Masatsune
Published: December 2012

Actin and myosin II play major roles in cell migration. Whereas pseudopod extension by actin polymerization has been intensively researched, less attention has been paid to how the rest of the actin cytoskeleton such as the actin cortex contributes to cell migration. In this study, cortical actin and myosin II filaments were simultaneously observed in migrating Dictyostelium cells under total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. The cortical actin and myosin II filaments remained stationary with respect to the substratum as the cells advanced. However, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments and direct observation of filaments showed that they rapidly turned over. When the cells were detached from the substratum, the actin and myosin filaments displayed a vigorous retrograde flow. Thus, when the cells migrate on the substratum, the cortical cytoskeleton firmly holds the substratum to generate the motive force instead. The present studies also demonstrate how myosin II localizes to the rear region of the migrating cells. The observed dynamic turnover of actin and myosin II filaments contributes to the recycling of their subunits across the whole cell and enables rapid reorganization of the cytoskeleton.
Simple Method to Fabricate an Biocompatible Antibacterial Surface on a Versatile Substrate through an Antiadhesion Approach
Authors: Zhang Feng , Liu Siwei , Zhang Yi , Xu Jiarui , Wei Yen
Published: December 2012

The synthesized polymer, poly(ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether-co-allyl glycidyl ether)-g-catechol (PEAC), has both vinyl and catechol functional side groups. Due to the pendant catechol groups, PEAC could be immobilized on various substrates tightly. Furthermore, the backbone of PEAC, poly(ethylene glycol), gives the PEAC-modified substrates good antiadhesion performance to bacteria. The antibacterial surface fabricated by this way is very different from the conventional method to empower material to have antibacterial properties directly or indirectly by killing bacteria absorbed.
SPR Signals of Three-dimensional Antibody-immobilized Gel Layers Formed on Sensor Chips by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Kuriu Yoshiaki , Ishikawa Michiko , Kawamura Akifumi , Uragami Tadashi , Miyata Takashi
Published: December 2012

We prepared antibody-immobilized gel layers on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor chips by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In a buffer solution with a target antigen, the SPR signal of the antibody-immobilized gel layer chip with an optimal thickness was much larger than that of a directly antibody-immobilized chip prepared by the standard amine coupling method. The antibody-immobilized gel layer chips are candidates as highly sensitive bioconjugated devices for SPR sensing systems. This paper focuses on the relationship between the thickness of the gel layer and the SPR signal in the detection of a target antigen.
Selective Uptake by Akaganeite (β-FeOOH) and Ferrihydrite of Phosphite Ions from Real Spent Electroless Nickel Plating Baths
Authors: Chitrakar Ramesh , Makita Yoji , Sonoda Akinari
Published: December 2012

Phosphite uptake from real spent electroless nickel (EN) plating baths of 3 and 5 turnovers by akaganeite, ferrihydrite, and AMF adsorbent was studied batch-wise. The akaganeite exhibited high affinity toward phosphite ions with uptake of 1.0–1.2 mmol g−1 depending on the turnovers, whereas the hypophosphite and sulfate uptakes were very low (<0.1 mmol g−1).