bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of endothelial microparticles in patients with heart failure
Authors: Nozaki Toshimitsu , Sugiyama Seigo , Sugamura Koichi , Ohba Keisuke , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Konishi Masaaki , Matsubara Junichi , Akiyama Eiichi , Sumida Hitoshi , Matsui Kunihiko , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Ogawa Hisao
Published: September 2010

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelium‐derived microparticles (EMPs) are a novel quantitative plasma marker of endothelial dysfunction. We investigated whether plasma levels of EMPs can predict future cardiovascular events in patients with HF.

Methods and results

We enrolled 169 consecutive HF patients (70 ischaemic, 99 non‐ischaemic HF) with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I or more. Plasma CD144‐positive EMP levels were measured by flow cytometry in the HF patients and in 31 healthy subjects. We followed the HF patients for mean 30 months. Endpoints were: a composite of cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, re‐hospitalization for HF, and cardiovascular death) and all‐cause mortality. Endothelium‐derived microparticle levels increased significantly with NYHA functional class [EMP median (range): healthy, 0.325 (0.164–0.354) ×106/mL; NYHA I, 0.484 (0.426–0.575); II, 0.646 (0.439–0.795); and III/IV, 0.786 (0.569–1.026), P < 0.001]. A total of 33 cardiovascular events and 22 all‐cause deaths were registered. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated a significantly higher probability of cardiovascular events in the high‐EMP group, but there was only a borderline difference for all‐cause mortality (above median; log rank test P = 0.01, P = 0.053, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for clinical factors, identified high‐EMP levels as an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events, but not for all‐cause mortality in HF patients [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.423 (1.034–5.681), P = 0.04 for cardiovascular events; and 2.095 (0.825–5.323), P = 0.12 for all‐cause mortality].

Conclusion

Endothelial dysfunction assessed by plasma levels of EMPs can independently predict future cardiovascular events in patients with HF. Endothelium‐derived microparticles are a potentially useful biomarker of endothelial dysfunction in HF risk stratification.
Peptoniphilus methioninivorax sp. nov., a Gram-positive anaerobic coccus isolated from retail ground beef
Authors: Rooney Alejandro P. , Swezey James L. , Pukall Rüdiger , Schumann Peter , Spring Stefan
Published: September 2010

Strain NRRL B-23883T was isolated from retail ground beef as part of a study on the genetic diversity of Clostridium perfringens. The strain was found to be a strictly anaerobic, Gram-positive coccus that was able to utilize peptone as a sole carbon source. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the strain was closely related to species within the genera Peptoniphilus and Anaerosphaera, but it was substantially different from the closest recognized species by nearly 10 % sequence divergence. The strain was also found to be closely related (>99 % sequence similarity) to an uncultured bacterial strain that was sequenced from a 16S rRNA gene clone library constructed to characterize the bacterial community of faeces from a captive spotted hyena. Strain NRRL B-23883T shared the peptidoglycan type A4β, l-Orn–d-Glu with members of the genus Peptoniphilus. Further phenotypic analysis revealed that strain NRRL B-23883T was able to utilize glycyl l-methionine as a sole carbon source, in contrast to other species of the genus Peptoniphilus. Therefore, it is proposed that the isolate represents a novel species, Peptoniphilus methioninivorax sp. nov.; the type strain is NRRL B-23883T ( = DSM 22461T).
Phenotypic diversification in vivo: Pseudomonas aeruginosa gacS−
strains generate small colony variants in vivo that are distinct from in vitro variants
Authors: Nelson Lisa K. , Stanton M. Mark , Elphinstone Robyn E. A. , Helwerda Janessa , Turner Raymond J. , Ceri Howard
Published: September 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has long been known to produce phenotypic variants during chronic mucosal surface infections. These variants are thought to be generated to ensure bacterial survival against the diverse challenges in the mucosal environment. Studies have begun to elucidate the mechanisms by which these variants emerge in vitro; however, too little information exists on phenotypic variation in vivo to draw any links between variants generated in vitro and in vivo. Consequently, in this study, the P. aeruginosa gacS gene, which has previously been linked to the generation of small colony variants (SCVs) in vitro, was studied in an in vivo mucosal surface infection model. More specifically, the rat prostate served as a model mucosal surface to test for the appearance of SCVs in vivo following infections with P. aeruginosa gacS−
strains. As in in vitro studies, deletion of the gacS gene led to SCV production in vivo. The appearance of these in vivo SCVs was important for the sustainability of a chronic infection. In the subset of rats in which P. aeruginosa
gacS−
did not convert to SCVs, clearance of the bacteria took place and healing of the tissue ensued. When comparing the SCVs that arose at the mucosal surface (MS-SCVs) with in vitro SCVs (IV-SCVs) from the same gacS−
parent, some differences between the phenotypic variants were observed. Whereas both MS-SCVs and IV-SCVs formed dense biofilms, MS-SCVs exhibited a less diverse resistance profile to antimicrobial agents than IV-SCVs. Additionally, MS-SCVs were better suited to initiate an infection in the rat model than IV-SCVs. Together, these observations suggest that phenotypic variation in vivo can be important for maintenance of infection, and that in vivo variants may differ from in vitro variants generated from the same genetic parent.
Structural design and test capability of an integrated stiffened CFRP panel
Authors: Romano Fulvio , Fiori Josè , Mercurio Umberto
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper's aim is to focus on the design, manufacture and test of a stiffened panel in composite material with integrated longitudinal foam‐filled stiffeners, spar and rib caps, using one‐shot liquid infusion (LI) process, reducing weight and number of subparts respect to metallic reference baseline P180 Avanti vertical fin.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensive activities in computational applications in order to improve the efficiency of the design process finite element analysis/structural sizing codes have led to an optimised engineering design process that resulted in a successful stiffened carbon fibre reinforced polymer panel design in terms of weight and number of parts with respect to the metallic baseline.

Findings

The composite panel has fulfilled all the design requirements (reduction of mass and number of parts with respect to the metallic reference baseline) overcoming the certification static test, and confirming the reliability of the theoretical analyses.

Research limitations/implications

The composite aircraft components, conceived as unitized structure by one‐shot process, guarantee not only a mass reduction, compared to aluminium components, but assure also the reduction of the number of subparts and of the assembly process cycle time. On the other hand, the LI technology implies the development of more specific and advanced techniques to control the manufacturing and the weight.

Practical implications

The stiffened panel is the most used component in the aircraft structures; the solution shown in this work can find applications in many parts of an aircraft.

Originality/value

The results obtained in this work can be useful to those who work in aeronautical structural departments with the aim to reduce weight and subparts of the airframe.
Economic, social and institutional conditions of network governance
Authors: Yoon Woojin , Hyun Eunjung
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper intends to discuss the effect of social and institutional mechanisms in allowing network governance embedded in non‐contractual and social relations to emerge and persist.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the extant theoretical literature on network governance of varied research strands and drawing empirical observations from research on East Asian network governance, the paper explores the effect of social and institutional mechanisms in allowing network governance embedded in non‐contractual and social relations to emerge and persist.

Findings

It is argued that social and non‐contractual mechanisms reinforce, substitute, or undermine contractual mechanisms, but the degree to which this occurs is contingent on institutional environments in which transaction occurs.

Originality/value

The paper revisits some of the important theoretical concepts such as trust and social capital that have been invoked across divergent literatures so as to illuminate underlying factors of economic governance based on social relations and networks.
New high‐tech venturing as process of resource accumulation
Authors: Lin Edwin , Lin Tom M.Y. , Lin Bou‐Wen
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore, through the lens of a resource‐based view and dynamic capability theory, how new ventures in high‐technology industries accumulate resources to survive and sustain competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the multiple case study approach completed for three integrated circuit (IC) design companies in Taiwan by conducting in‐depth interviews with senior executives in each case. Through the aforementioned case studies, the paper was able to summarize and verify the key elements and steps to find the customer and achieve the firm growth.

Findings

It was found that three core elements, technology, networking and legitimacy are necessary. In addition, there are emerging and embedding steps adopted by each case in this study for new ventures to successfully penetrate the market and sustain the competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are focused on one country, and three cases of a specific industry in Taiwan. Future research can be conducted in different cultural contexts and different industries.

Practical implications

New ventures in high‐technology industries can follow the elements and steps suggested in this research paper to accumulate their initial resources. The strategy has been proven by the case studies therein and can be considered highly applicable.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that three key resources for sustaining a company's competitive advantages are necessary. Moreover, a well‐orchestrated management is especially essential for new ventures in high‐technology industries to succeed.
Evaluation of training in organisations: a proposal for an integrated model
Authors: Pineda Pilar
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Training is a key strategy for human resources development and in achieving organisational objectives. Organisations and public authorities invest large amounts of resources in training, but rarely have the data to show the results of that investment. Only a few organisations evaluate training in depth due to the difficulty involved and the lack of valid instruments and viable models. The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation model that has been successfully applied in the Spanish context that integrates all training dimensions and effects, to act as a global tool for organisations. The model analyses satisfaction, learning, pedagogical aspects, transfer, impact and profitability of training, and is therefore a global model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's approach is theoretical, and the methodology used involves a review of previous evaluation models and their improvement by comparing their application in practice.

Findings

An analysis of pedagogical aspects enables training professionals to improve training quality, as they are able to identify any weaknesses in elements, such as training design, needs analysis and training implementation, and improve on them. In fact, the quality of these elements depends entirely on the training professional. The improvement of pedagogical aspects, as a result of their evaluation, increases training quality and the results of training in organisations that can be identified by evaluating the other levels of the model, particularly the aspects of learning, transfer and impact.

Practical implications

The author has applied the model successfully in several public and private organisations, in industry and in the services sector, which demonstrates its usefulness and viability in evaluating the results of training. Therefore, this evaluation model has interesting and practical implications, as a useful tool for training managers for evaluating training results, as well as providing a global simplified approach to the complex evaluation function.

Originality/value

The originality of this evaluation model lies in its focus on a key and novel aspect – i.e. the pedagogical dimension, providing an integrated tool that can be easily adapted to any organisation.
Parental mediatory role in children's physical activity participation
Authors: Peggy Cheung P.Y. , Chow Bik C.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Parents are important agents in the physical activity socializing process in children. The present study aims to examine the parental mediatory role in children's physical activity participation via a youth physical activity promotion (YPAP) model.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 872 Hong Kong Chinese children (aged ten to 13) in ten schools were invited to participate in the study. Their physical self‐perception, physical activity perception, parental influence, and physical activity level were assessed. Structural equation modelling was employed to examine the relationship among the variables.

Findings

The final model accounted for 18 per cent of the variance in children's physical activity participation. Parental influence imposed a direct (β=0.19) and indirect effect on children's physical activity participation through the children's physical activity perception (β=0.33) and physical self‐perceptions (β=0.19).

Research limitations/implications

This study involved a cross‐sectional design and data were collected over a single time frame; a cause‐and‐effect relationship among variables could not be drawn.

Originality/value

The present study emphasizes how parental influence is related to children's physical participation. The information is useful for health professionals in the design of intervention programs to promote children's physical activity participation.
Adolescents' perceptions of the words “health” and “happy”
Authors: O'Higgins Siobhán , Sixsmith Jane , Nic Gabhainn Saoirse
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The shared language of youth includes understandings of concepts that can be different from those of adults. Researchers, in their efforts to explore and illuminate the health behaviours and decision‐making processes of young people, use generic terms in their data collecting protocols. This study aims to explore what adolescents understand by the words “healthy” and “happy”.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in three post‐primary schools with 31 students aged 12 and 13 years. Drawing on a grounded theory approach, interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic content analysis.

Findings

The students provided a description and explanation of what health and happiness meant to them and how they intended to maintain both as they grew older. Perceptions of these two concepts were found to contain gendered nuances. This was clear in relation to descriptions of how friends were part of well‐being; the girls were more likely to talk about feeling restricted and resentment at being treated like children and only the boys talked of looking forward to things.

Originality/value

In order to gain an understanding of young people's perspectives about what matters and what influences their health behaviour, a clearer view of the different perspectives held by researcher and researched needs to be established so that more accurate conclusions can be drawn from data generated by young people.
Threats to the New Zealand Serious Fraud Office: an institutional perspective
Authors: Van Peursem K.A. , Balme A.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate threats to dissolve the New Zealand Serious Fraud Office (SFO) as interpreted through the public press.

Design/methodology/approach

An institutional approach is adopted in this case, and the analysis is driven by Oliver's understandings of antecedents to deinstitutionalization. Relevant press articles are reviewed, and SFO history and New Zealand socio‐political context inform the analysis.

Findings

The paper identifies over 1,800 articles (September 2003 to October 2008) and analyses the content of those 157 that contain views on the SFO itself. This analysis reveals that while there is a strong political antecedent to the proposed change, the media is dominated by weakly evidenced but emotive functional and social arguments. The susceptibility of the SFO to political influence, and a less‐than‐fully engaged media, is shown to provide a risk of deinstitutionalization to this politically dependent office.

Research limitations/implications

Conclusions suggest how a relatively new and possibly politically naïve organisation may be, by necessity, starting to come to terms with its own external dependencies.

Social implications

The SFO may be evolving new relational norms in response to its own vulnerabilities in a political environment. There may be lessons for others in this analysis of a norming process, and further research into such processes would be a rich area for further study.

Originality/value

The contribution is in forming an understanding of the media patterns and in analysing what they convey as to the threatened deinstituitonalization of the SFO.
A study on the difference of supply chain performance from the fitness between competitive priorities and supplier selection criteria
Authors: Soo Park Jeong , Shin Chang Deok
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper's aim is to investigate the question of whether to expect better performances when manufacturing companies' capability fits (or matches) with the companies' supplier selection criteria (which can be linked with the supplier's own capability) is new in the supply chain management (SCM) research stream.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an empirical research using survey and regression by SPSS program.

Findings

The companies whose own capability matches their supplier selection criteria can expect better SC performance from SCM practice than non‐matching companies.

Research limitations/implications

In the paper, only “price” capability factor was used. Future research will include other capability factors of quality, delivery, and flexibility.

Originality/value

In the stream of SCM literature, there are very few studies on the fit or match between capability and supplier selection criteria, and this is a merit of this paper.
Cue incongruity in wine personality formation and purchasing
Authors: Heslop Louise A. , Cray David , Armenakyan Anahit
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct and interaction effects of brand name (BN) of wine and country‐of‐origin (COO) on perceptions of the personality image of the wine, expected price, and willingness to engage with the wine.

Design/methodology/approach

A field experiment in which label information for a fictitious wine was presented to wine consumers with a questionnaire on wine perceptions and response measures. The label information was manipulated across subjects using four BNs and three COOs.

Findings

The study confirms BN and COO effects on perceived wine personality and responses to the wine. Findings also indicate the effects of BN and COO as well as a BN‐COO interaction effect on price expectations.

Research limitations/implications

Findings link different personality dimensions to the two different cues, suggesting greater independence of the cues than originally expected. However, some BN‐COO incongruity effects are found particularly regarding price perceptions. A small set of wine BNs and COOs are tested and sample size/treatments are limited. With larger sample sizes, some weak effects might prove more significant. For more substantive support of these findings, the study could be repeated in different locations with different BN and COO examples.

Practical implications

The results suggest consumers are open to some fluidity in brand name use across wine‐producing countries with appropriate pricing strategies. They also highlight the importance of understanding consumer perceptions of wine personality in assessing consumer responses and price expectations.

Originality/value

The research addresses BN and COO direct and interaction effects on many aspects of wine evaluation and the central role of personality dimensions in wine assessments. The paper provides evidence of value in a rapidly evolving marketplace for wine and insights into the ongoing strategic changes in the wine market. It also contributes to theory and research on information cue use and cue incongruity effects.
Meaning not measurement
Authors: Holloway Immy , Brown Lorraine , Shipway Richard
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Events research is witnessing a gradual increase in experience‐related studies, reflecting a challenge to the dominance of positivist, quantitative‐based studies. This purpose of this paper is to support a paradigm shift to effect a more balanced examination of events within the existing body of literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A search of events‐related publications in both events and non‐events journals is conducted in order to identify the level of use of the ethnographic approach by researchers in event studies. The literature on qualitative methods and on ethnography in particular is also examined, in a bid to show how ethnography can be used and how it is specifically suited to inquiry into the consumer experience of events and festivals.

Findings

Ethnography is advocated as an appropriate research approach to the events field, and this paper details the extensive potential that this approach offers. Drawing from the wider literature on ethnography, a rationale for an alternative methodology with the associated research methods of observation, interviewing and the use of documentary sources is explored and its applicability to events research is demonstrated.

Practical implications

The academic researcher is introduced to the potential offered by ethnography and is pointed in the direction of the relevant research methods literature that would equip them with the practical tools of investigation.

Originality/value

By alerting the reader to the applicability and value of ethnography, this paper aims to encourage the adoption of the ethnographic approach by event researchers. This will thereby lead to a more diverse literature on events, and will rebalance the current dominance of quantitative‐based research papers, and it is for this reason that this paper makes an original contribution to knowledge in the study of events and festivals.
Preterm Labour: Tsunami Waves?
Authors: Douglas Alison J.
Published: September 2010

Preterm labour and birth can be delayed but are generally unstoppable, threatening the health of the mother–baby duo. This may be a result of peripheral signals prematurely recruiting the oxytocin neurones that co‐ordinate the timing of birth and, via specialised activity and secretion patterns, drive uterine contractions. Once sensitised, these neurones respond with waves of activity, even to weak stimuli, resulting in a positive‐feedback loop that escalates towards inevitable birth.
Development of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism-Derived Functional Strain-Specific Markers To Assess the Persistence of 10 Bacterial Strains in Soil Microcosms
Authors: Xiang S.-R. , Cook M. , Saucier S. , Gillespie P. , Socha R. , Scroggins R. , Beaudette L. A.
Published: September 2010

To augment the information on commercial microbial products, we investigated the persistence patterns of high-priority bacterial strains from the Canadian Domestic Substance List (DSL). Specific DNA markers for each of the 10 DSL bacterial strains were developed using the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique, and the fates of DSL strains introduced in soil were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The results indicated that all DNA markers had high specificity at the functional strain level and that detection of the target microorganisms was sensitive at a detection limitation range from 1.3 × 10
2
to 3.25 × 10
5
CFU/g of dry soil. The results indicated that all introduced strains showed a trend toward a declining persistence in soil and could be categorized into three pattern types. The first type was long-term persistence exemplified by
Pseudomonas stutzeri
(ATCC 17587) and
Pseudomonas denitrificans
(ATCC 13867) strains. In the second pattern, represented by
Bacillus subtilis
(ATCC 6051) and
Escherichia hermannii
(ATCC 700368), the inoculated strain populations dropped dramatically below the detection threshold after 10 to 21 days, while in the third pattern there was a gradual decrease, with the population falling below the detectable level within the 180-day incubation period. These patterns indicate a selection effect of a microbial community related to the ecological function of microbial strains introduced in soil. As a key finding, the DSL strains can be quantitatively tracked in soil with high sensitivity and specificity at the functional strain level. This provides the basic evidence for further risk assessment of the priority DSL strains.
Inclusion of Dried or Wet Distillers' Grains at Different Levels in Diets of Feedlot Cattle Affects Fecal Shedding of
Escherichia coli
O157:H7
Authors: Jacob M. E. , Paddock Z. D. , Renter D. G. , Lechtenberg K. F. , Nagaraja T. G.
Published: September 2010

Our objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 in cattle fed diets supplemented with 20 or 40% dried distillers' grains (DG) (DDG) or wet DG (WDG) and assess whether removing DG from diets before slaughter affected fecal shedding of
E. coli
O157:H7. Eight hundred forty steers were allocated to 70 pens (12 steers/pen). Treatments were no DG (control), 20% DDG or WDG, and 40% DDG or WDG, and each was replicated in 14 pens. In phase 1, eight floor fecal samples were collected from each pen every 2 weeks for 12 weeks for isolation of
E. coli
O157:H7 and detection of high shedders. In phase 2, half of the pens with DG were transitioned to the no-DG control diet, and pen floor fecal samples were collected weekly from all pens for 4 weeks. During phase 1, prevalence of
E. coli
O157:H7 was 20.8% and 3.2% for high shedders. The form of DG had no significant effect on fecal
E. coli
O157:H7 shedding. The prevalence levels of
E. coli
O157:H7 and the numbers of high shedders were not different between diets with 0 or 20% DG; however, cattle fed 40% DG had a higher prevalence and more high shedders than cattle fed 0 or 20% DG (
P
≤ 0.05). During phase 2, overall and high-shedder prevalence estimates were 3.3% and <0.1%, respectively, and there were no differences between those for different DG forms and inclusion levels or when DG was removed from diets. The form of DG had no impact on
E. coli
O157:H7; however, fecal shedding was associated with the DG inclusion level.
Activation of thePseudomonas aeruginosaAlgU Regulon throughmucAMutation Inhibits Cyclic AMP/Vfr Signaling
Authors: Jones Adriana K. , Fulcher Nanette B. , Balzer Grant J. , Urbanowski Mark L. , Pritchett Christopher L. , Schurr Michael J. , Yahr Timothy L. , Wolfgang Matthew C.
Published: September 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen that causes acute, invasive infections in immunocompromised individuals and chronic, persistent respiratory infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). The differential progression of acute or chronic infections involves the production of distinct sets of virulence factors.P. aeruginosastrains isolated from patients with acute respiratory infection are generally nonencapsulated and express a variety of invasive virulence factors, including flagella, the type III secretion system (T3SS), type IV pili (TFP), and multiple secreted toxins and degradative enzymes. Strains isolated from chronically infected CF patients, however, typically lack expression of invasive virulence factors and have a mucoid phenotype due to the production of an alginate capsule. The mucoid phenotype results from loss-of-function mutations inmucA, which encodes an anti-sigma factor that normally prevents alginate synthesis. Here, we report that the cyclic AMP/Vfr-dependent signaling (CVS) pathway is defective inmucAmutants and that the defect occurs at the level ofvfrexpression. The CVS pathway regulates the expression of multiple invasive virulence factors, including T3SS, exotoxin A, protease IV, and TFP. We further demonstrate thatmucA-dependent CVS inhibition involves the alternative sigma factor AlgU (AlgT) and the response regulator AlgR but does not depend on alginate production. Our findings show that a single naturally occurring mutation leads to inverse regulation of virulence factors involved in acute and persistent infections. These results suggest that mucoid conversion and inhibition of invasive virulence determinants may both confer a selective advantage tomucAmutant strains ofP. aeruginosain the CF lung.
Pulling the heartstrings, arguing the case: a narrative response to the issue of moral agency in moral distress
Authors: Walsh Aileen
Published: September 2010

In this paper it is argued that moral distress is an emotional response to an ethical dilemma, and that to date, the literature has largely failed to address the fundamental questions that need to be answered in response to this emotional response. Firstly, does moral distress accurately identify a wrong being done to patients? Secondly, if it does, can nurses carry out this ‘wrong doing’, but not be responsible for the consequences of their actions? A narrative that reflects the emotional nature of moral distress is presented, with the aim of providing some answers to these questions.
Using geographic information systems to compare the density of stores selling tobacco and alcohol: youth making an argument for increased regulation of the tobacco permitting process in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Ogneva-Himmelberger Yelena , Ross Laurie , Burdick William , Simpson Sheryl-Ann
Published: September 2010

Background

This study is based on a community participatory research (CBPR) partnership between a youth group and a local university to explore whether greater regulation of tobacco permits would reduce the density of tobacco outlets overall, and particularly in low-income, high minority neighbourhoods in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

Methods

Applying Geographic Information Systems and regression analyses to neighbourhood demographics and the location of stores selling tobacco and alcohol, the study predicts the density of tobacco outlets as compared to alcohol outlets at the neighborhood block group level and in relation to the location and demographic composition of public schools.

Results

This study found that there are more than double the number of stores that sell tobacco as compared to alcohol in the city of Worcester. For every alcohol vendor there was a 41% increase in the estimated number of tobacco vendors, independent of the effect of other variables. The likelihood of having a tobacco outlet located near a school was greater than having an alcohol outlet as the percentage of minority students in schools increases.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, the authors conclude that to reduce the impact of tobacco on socially and economically disadvantaged communities, the issuing of tobacco permits requires more regulation and oversight and should take into consideration the density and actual location of other licensees in an area.
Augmented EDHF signaling in rat uteroplacental vasculature during late pregnancy
Authors: Gokina N. I. , Kuzina O. Y. , Vance A. M.
Published: September 2010

A successful pregnancy outcome relies on extensive maternal cardiovascular adaptation, including enhanced uteroplacental vasodilator mechanisms. The objective of the present study was to determine the contribution of the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) signaling in pregnancy-enhanced uterine vasodilation, to define the role of Ca2+-activated K+channels in mediating EDHF effects, and to explore the impact of endothelial Ca2+signaling in pregnancy-specific upregulation of EDHF. Fura 2-based measurements of smooth muscle cell (SMC) and endothelial cell cytosolic Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) were performed simultaneously with measurements of the diameter of uterine radial arteries from nonpregnant (NP) and late pregnant (LP) rats. Changes in SMC membrane potential of pressurized arteries from LP rats were assessed using glass microelectrodes. After blockade of nitric oxide and prostacyclin production, a cumulative application of ACh induced rapid and effective dilatation of uterine vessels from both NP and LP rats. This vasodilation was associated with SMC hyperpolarization and SMC [Ca2+]ireduction and was abolished by a high-K+solution, demonstrating that NG-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA)- and indomethacin-resistant responses are attributable to EDHF. Pregnancy significantly potentiates EDHF-mediated vasodilation in part due to enhanced endothelial Ca2+signaling. l-NNA- and indomethacin-resistant responses were insensitive to iberiotoxin but abolished by a combined treatment with apamin and charybdotoxin, supporting the key role of small- and intermediate-conductance K+channels in mediating EDHF signaling in the maternal uterine resistance vasculature.
Extracellular transsulfuration generates hydrogen sulfide from homocysteine and protects endothelium from redox stress
Authors: Bearden Shawn E. , Beard Richard S. , Pfau Jean C.
Published: September 2010

Homocysteine, a cardiovascular and neurocognitive disease risk factor, is converted to hydrogen sulfide, a cardiovascular and neuronal protectant, through the transsulfuration pathway. Given the damaging effects of free homocysteine in the blood and the importance of blood homocysteine concentration as a prognosticator of disease, we tested the hypotheses that the blood itself regulates homocysteine-hydrogen sulfide metabolism through transsulfuration and that transsulfuration capacity and hydrogen sulfide availability protect the endothelium from redox stress. Here we show that the transsulfuration enzymes, cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase, are secreted by microvascular endothelial cells and hepatocytes, circulate as members of the plasma proteome, and actively produce hydrogen sulfide from homocysteine in human blood. We further demonstrate that extracellular transsulfuration regulates cell function when the endothelium is challenged with homocysteine and that hydrogen sulfide protects the endothelium from serum starvation and from hypoxia-reoxygenation injury. These novel findings uncover a unique set of opportunities to explore innovative clinical diagnostics and therapeutic strategies in the approach to homocysteine-related conditions such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and dementia.
Stress decreases the ability to resist smoking and potentiates smoking intensity and reward
Authors: McKee Sherry A , Sinha Rajita , Weinberger Andrea H , Sofuoglu Mehmet , Harrison Emily LR , Lavery Meaghan , Wanzer Jesse
Published: September 2010

We have developed a novel human laboratory model to examine two primary aspects of stress-precipitated tobacco relapse: (1) Does stress reduce the ability to resist the first cigarette? (2) Once the first cigarette is initiated, does stress facilitate subsequent smoking? Using a within-subject design, daily smokers ( n = 37) who were nicotine deprived overnight received a personalized imagery induction (stress or neutral) on two separate days, and then had the option of initiating a tobacco self-administration session or delaying initiation for up to 50 min in exchange for three levels of monetary reinforcement. Subsequently, the tobacco self-administration session entailed a 1-hour period in which subjects could choose to smoke using a smoking topography system. Following the stress induction, subjects were less able to resist smoking, smoked more intensely (increased puffs, shorter inter-puff interval, and greater peak puff velocity), and perceived greater satisfaction and reward from smoking. Stress significantly increased hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity, tobacco craving, negative emotion, and physiologic reactivity relative to the neutral condition. In addition, increased cortisol, ACTH, and tobacco craving were associated with reduced ability to resist smoking following stress. These findings have implications for understanding the impact of stress on smoking relapse and model development to assess smoking lapse behavior.
Molecular basis of LMAN1 in coordinating LMAN1-MCFD2 cargo receptor formation and ER-to-Golgi transport of FV/FVIII
Authors: Zheng Chunlei , Liu Hui-hui , Yuan Shuguang , Zhou Jiahai , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2010

The LMAN1-MCFD2 (lectin, mannose binding 1/multiple coagulation factor deficiency protein 2) cargo receptor complex transports coagulation factors V (FV) and VIII (FVIII) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC). LMAN1 (ERGIC-53) is a hexameric transmembrane protein with a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) on the ER luminal side. Here, we show that mutations in the first beta sheet of the CRD abolish MCFD2 binding without affecting the mannose binding, suggesting that LMAN1 interacts with MCFD2 through its N-terminal beta sheet, consistent with recently reported crystal structures of the CRD-MCFD2 complex. Mutations in the Ca2+- and sugar-binding sites of the CRD disrupt FV and FVIII interactions, without affecting MCFD2 binding. This interaction is independent of MCFD2, as LMAN1 mutants defective in MCFD2 binding can still interact with FVIII. Thus, the CRD of LMAN1 contains distinct, separable binding sites for both its partner protein (MCFD2) and the cargo proteins (FV/FVIII). Monomeric LMAN1 mutants are defective in ER exit and unable to interact with MCFD2, suggesting that the oligomerization of LMAN1 is necessary for its cargo receptor function. These results point to a central role of LMAN1 in regulating the binding in the ER and the subsequent release in the ERGIC of FV and FVIII.
How deadly is seasonal influenza-associated pneumonia? The German Competence Network for Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: von Baum H. , Schweiger B. , Welte T. , Marre R. , Suttorp N. , Pletz M.W.R. , Ewig S.
Published: September 2010

The emergence of new influenza virus subtypes has rekindled the interest in the clinical course and outcome of patients with influenza-associated pneumonia.

Based on prospective data from 5,032 patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) included in the German Competence Network for Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAPNETZ), we studied the incidence, clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with influenza-associated CAP and compared these findings with patients without influenza. Diagnosis relied on a positive PCR for influenza in throat washings.

160 patients with influenza-associated CAP were identified (3.2% of total population, 12% of those with defined aetiology). 34 (21%) patients with seasonal influenza had a concomitant pathogen (mostlyStreptococcus pneumoniae). Patients with influenza-associated CAP were significantly older, had been vaccinated less often and had preceding antibacterial treatment less often. 30-day mortality was low (4.4%) and not different to that of patients with pneumonia caused by bacterial (6.2%) or viral (other than influenza) pathogens (4%). Patients with influenza plus a bacterial pathogen (mixed influenza-associated pneumonia) had a higher mortality than those with pure influenza-associated pneumonia (9%versus3.2%).

Mortality was higher in patients with mixed compared with pure influenza-associated pneumonia. However, we could not observe any excess mortality in patients with influenza-associated pneumonia.
Sex differences in obstructive sleep apnoea in an elderly French population
Authors: Sforza E. , Chouchou F. , Collet P. , Pichot V. , Barthélémy J.C. , Roche F.
Published: September 2010

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects females and males differently, and increases in prevalence with age. The aim of the present study was to characterise clinical, anthropometric and polygraphic sex differences in a large elderly OSA population.

A total of 641 subjects aged 68 yrs were examined. Measurements of fat mass, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and polygraphy, were obtained in all subjects. An apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) of >15 events·h−1identified the presence of OSA.

OSA was diagnosed in 57% of the sample, 34% having a mild form and 23% having an AHI of >30 events·h−1. Females with OSA exhibited a lower AHI, less severe hypoxaemia and greater peripheral fat mass, and frequently reported anxiety and depression. Comparison of females with and without OSA did not reveal significant differences in clinical, anthropometric and DEXA data. After adjustment for body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, anxiety and depression, logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of hypertension was significantly associated with OSA risk in females (OR 1.52, p = 0.04).

In a general community healthy population, the prevalence of undiagnosed OSA in females increases with age, with a risk similar to that in males. In females, the clinical spectrum, anthropometric data and fat distribution appear to be more sex-related than OSA-dependent. The occurrence of OSA contributes to hypertensive risk in elderly females.
SerpinB1 in cystic fibrosis airway fluids: quantity, molecular form and mechanism of elastase inhibition
Authors: Cooley J. , Sontag M.K. , Accurso F.J. , Remold-O’Donnell E.
Published: September 2010

Neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs), especially elastase, are major agents of lung destruction in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This study investigated SerpinB1, a highly efficient inhibitor of NSPs, in CF lung disease.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 31 children with CF and 24 control children was examined for amount and molecular species of SerpinB1, and its mechanism of action was studied.

CF BALF had more SerpinB1 than control BALF (geometric mean 3.9 (95% CI 2.60–5.62)versus1.37 (1.20–1.55) μg·mL−1; p<0.001). BALF levels of SerpinB1 were higher for infectedversusuninfected CF subjects (5.5versus2.7 μg·mL−1; p<0.04) and substantially higher for elastase-positiveversus-negative CF subjects (8.41versus1.89 μg·mL−1; p<0.001). Most SerpinB1 in CF BALF had been cleaved. Adding recombinant SerpinB1 to CF BALF stoichiometrically inhibited endogenous elastase, indicating that the inhibitor functions in the CF microenvironment.In vitrosimulations comparing SerpinB1 and α1-antitrypsin (SerpinA1) showed that both rapidly form irreversible inhibitory covalent complexes with elastase and that these differed in survival time. The SerpinB1–elastase complex survived only briefly due to fragmentation of bound elastase, releasing cleaved SerpinB1, the molecular form in CF BALF.

The findings define an innate role for SerpinB1 in CF airways.
Investor Inattention and the Market Reaction to Merger Announcements
Authors: Louis Henock , Sun Amy
Published: September 2010

Prior studies suggest that investors have limited attention. Tests of the inattention hypothesis have been performed in the context of relatively small corporate events, particularly earnings announcements. Presumably, large corporate events would always attract sufficient investor attention. However, we find evidence indicating that inattention affects investors' information processing even in the context of one of the largest and most important corporate events—merger announcements. More specifically, consistent with the notion that investors are less attentive to Friday announcements, we find that the market reaction to Friday stock swap announcements is muted, as evidenced by lower acquirers' merger announcement abnormal trading volumes and less pronounced acquirers' merger announcement abnormal stock returns.
Synthesis, structural chemistry and antimicrobial activity of −(−) borneol derivative
Authors: Al-Farhan Khalid , Warad Ismail , Al-Resayes Saud , Fouda Moustafa , Ghazzali Mohamed
Published: September 2010

Borneol is a monoterpene that is a part of traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. (−) borneol reacted with methanesulfonyl chloride in THF/pyridine to afford the new 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl methane sulfonate derivative in excellent yield. The product is characterized by H1NMR, C13NMR, mass spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis and its structure was identified by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The packing of 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl methanesulfonate exhibits the non-classical C-H···O hydrogen bonding in C(4) and R22(8) chain and ring motifs as structural determinants. This was also confirmed by the analysis of Hirshfeld surfaces. The 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl methane sulfonate antimicrobial activity was tested and compared with its parent (−) borneol against three different pathogens. Particularly, 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl methane sulfonate showed high sensitivity, compared to Chloramphenicol reference material, against Escherichia coli.
Ion milling-assisted study of defect structure of HgCdTe films grown by liquid phase epitaxy
Authors: Izhnin I.I. , Denisov I.A. , Smirnova N.A. , Pociask M. , Mynbaev K.D.
Published: September 2010

Ion milling, as a tool for “stirring” defects in HgCdTe by injecting high concentration of interstitial mercury atoms, was used for studying films grown by liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) on CdZnTe substrates. The films appeared to have very low residual donor concentration (∼1014 cm−3), yet, similar to the material grown by molecular beam epitaxy, contained Te-related neutral defects, which the milling activated electrically. It is shown that ion milling has a stronger effect on HgCdTe defect structure than thermal treatment, and yet eventually brings the material to an “equilibrium” state with defect concentration lower than that after low-temperature annealing.
Field effect transistors for terahertz detection - silicon versus III–V material issue
Authors: Knap W. , Videlier H. , Nadar S. , Coquillat D. , Dyakonova N. , Teppe F. , Bialek M. , Grynberg M. , Karpierz K. , Lusakowski J. , Nogajewski K. , Seliuta D. , Kašalynas I. , Valušis G.
Published: September 2010

Resonant frequencies of the two-dimensional plasma in FETs reach the THz range for nanometer transistor channels. Non-linear properties of the electron plasma are responsible for detection of THz radiation with FETs. Resonant excitation of plasma waves with sub-THz and THz radiation was demonstrated for short gate transistors at cryogenic temperatures. At room temperature, plasma oscillations are usually over-damped, but the FETs can still operate as efficient broadband THz detectors. The paper presents the main theoretical and experimental results on detection with FETs stressing their possible THz imaging applications. We discuss advantages and disadvantages of application of III–V GaAs and GaN HEMTs and silicon MOSFETs.
Detection of terahertz and sub-terahertz wave radiation based on hot-carrier effect in narrow-gap Hg1−xCdxTe
Authors: Zabudsky V. , Dobrovolsky V. , Momot N.
Published: September 2010

We have proposed and developed terahertz and subterahertz wave detector using hot-carrier effect in narrow-gap Hg1−xCdxTe. Epitaxial Hg1−xCdxTe-layers were integrated into dipole antennas. The response of Hg1−xCdxTe hot-electron bolometer was measured in the range of frequencies 0.037–1.58 THz, in the temperature region T = 68–300 K at various bias currents. A bolometer theoretical model was developed and the experimental results confirm the model main conclusions.