bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with major depression: a prospective cohort study in primary care
Authors: Lima Ana Flávia Barros da Silva , Fleck Marcelo Pio de Almeida
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, adequacy of antidepressant treatment, and changes in quality of life of patients with major depression receiving follow-up care from primary care centers. METHOD: A cohort study was performed in which major depression patients were followed-up over a nine-month period. Several evaluation instruments were used, including the World Health Organization Quality of Life and the Quality of Life-Depression, Centers for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression questionnaires. RESULTS: The sample comprised 179 individuals, mostly female (73%), with a mean age of 38 years and mean education of 9 years. At the end of the follow-up period, 42% of the individuals still presented with major depression, 25% had complete symptom remission, and only 9% were properly treated with antidepressants. In relation to quality of life, there were significant differences especially between baseline and after nine months in almost all measures. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that depressive symptoms are poorly recognized and that treatment is often inadequate for patients followed-up in primary care units in the south of Brazil. Most of the patients continued to have symptoms of depression over the nine-month period which were associated with impaired quality of life.
Exposure to violence in incarcerated youth from the city of São Paulo
Authors: Huculak Susan , McLennan John D. , Bordin Isabel A. S.
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the extent of exposure to community violence among delinquent Brazilian youth in the 12-month period prior to their incarceration and to identify factors associated with this exposure. METHOD: With an oversampling of girls, a cross-section of youth under 18 years of age from juvenile detention units in the city of São Paulo, Brazil completed a structured interview. Key items related to exposure to violence (witnessed and experienced) were drawn from the Social and Health Assessment questionnaire to cover the 12-month period prior to incarceration. RESULTS: Participants (n = 325, 89% boys) reported high rates of exposure to violence with largely similar levels for boys and girls. Being threatened with physical harm, being beaten or mugged and/ or shot at were the most common forms of violence experienced. After controlling for demographic and family variables, the fact of having peers involved in risk behavior, easy access to guns and previous involvement with the justice system were associated with witnessed violence; whereas having slept on the street was the only variable associated with experienced violence. CONCLUSION: This group of youth was exposed to high levels of violence and other adverse experiences. Future research should examine the effectiveness of strategies aimed at reducing the exposure to violence of high-risk youth.
Diretrizes da Associação Médica Brasileira para o tratamento do transtorno de ansiedade social
Authors: Levitan Michelle N. , Chagas Marcos H. N. , Crippa José A. S. , Manfro Gisele G. , Hetem Luiz A. B. , Andrada Nathalia C. , Salum Giovanni A. , Isolan Luciano , Ferrari Maria C. F. , Nardi Antonio E.
Published: September 2011

INTRODUÇÃO: O transtorno de ansiedade social (TAS) é o transtorno de ansiedade mais comum, freqüentemente sem remissões, sendo comumente associado com importante prejuízo funcional e psicossocial. A Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB), através do "Projeto Diretrizes", busca desenvolver consensos de diagnóstico e tratamento para as doenças mais comuns. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar os achados mais relevantes das diretrizes relativas ao tratamento do TAS, servindo de referência para o médico generalista e especialista. MÉTODO: O método utilizado foi o proposto pela AMB. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados do MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science e Lilacs, entre 1980 e 2010. A estratégia utilizada baseou-se em perguntas estruturadas na forma P.I.C.O (acrônimo das iniciais "paciente ou população"; "intervenção, indicador ou exposição"; "controle ou comparação" e; "outcome ou desfecho"). RESULTADOS: Estudos evidenciam que o tratamento farmacológico de primeira linha para adultos e crianças são os inibidores seletivos de recaptação de serotonina e os inibidores de recaptação de serotonina e noradrenalina, enquanto que a terapia cognitivo-comportamental é apontada como melhor tratamento psicoterápico. Além disso, algumas comorbidades psiquiátricas foram associadas a uma pior evolução do TAS. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar da alta prevalência, o TAS acaba por não receber a devida atenção e tratamento. A melhor escolha para o tratamento de adultos é a associação psicoterapia cognitivo-comportamental com inibidores seletivos de recaptação de serotonina e os inibidores de recaptação de serotonina e noradrenalina. Outras opções como benzodiazepínicos ou inibidores da monoamino-oxidase devem ser usados como segunda e terceira opção respectivamente.
Nível de convergência dos princípios contábeis brasileiros e norte-americanos às normas do IASB: uma contribuição para a adoção das IFRS por empresas brasileiras
Authors: Oliveira Valdiney Alves , Lemes Sirlei
Published: September 2011

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar em que nível as informações contábeis divulgadas nos mercados: brasileiro e norte-americano atendem aos requisitos da adoção inicial das IFRS - International Financial Reporting Standards. A adoção das IFRS por companhias abertas brasileiras nas suas demonstrações contábeis consolidadas foi exigida pela Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM) na Instrução CVM 457/07. Por meio de uma pesquisa descritiva quanto aos seus objetivos e utilizando-se dos procedimentos técnicos de pesquisa documental e de análise de conteúdo clássica, foram analisadas as demonstrações contábeis elaboradas para o ano de 2008 de acordo com os US GAAPs e os BR GAAPs de 20 empresas brasileiras listadas simultaneamente na Bolsa de Valores de Nova York (NYSE) e na Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo (BOVESPA) e calculou-se o índice de disclosure proposto na pesquisa de Lopes e Rodrigues (2007). A pesquisa apontou para índices de disclosure calculados para o Form 20F maiores do que aqueles calculados para as Demonstrações Financeiras Padrão (DFP), confirmando um nível de convergência maior entre US GAAP e IFRS e sugerindo que, em função da adoção das IFRS as demonstrações contábeis em BR GAAP tendem a se modificar substancialmente aumentando o nível de divulgação. Além disso, os resultados confirmam para a amostra, o exposto na literatura selecionada de que o setor de atuação e o tamanho da empresa influem diretamente no disclosure das informações. Em relação aos auditores, o fato de as demonstrações serem auditadas pelas empresas globais de auditoria conhecidas como Big Four não foi determinante na extensão do disclosure.
Aplicabilidade da Lei de Newcomb-Benford nas fiscalizações do imposto sobre serviços - ISS
Authors: Lagioia Umbelina Cravo Teixeira , Araújo Ivson José Caldas de , Alves Filho Bartolomeu de Figueiredo , Barros Marcelo Andrade Bezerra , Nascimento Suênia Graziella Oliveira de Almeida Santos do
Published: September 2011

Este trabalho verifica a aplicabilidade da auditoria digital em empresas prestadoras de serviços, contribuindo para melhoria imediata da gestão tributária. Considera-se relevante esta pesquisa pela oportunidade de especializar os auditores na realização de suas tarefas e em outros campos de atuação, destacadamente nas despesas públicas. Por meio de um modelo matemático - Newcomb-Benford -, tornou-se possível identificar irregularidades existentes nas empresas, sendo uma ferramenta importante no planejamento das auditorias. Esta pesquisa interdisciplinar, também, tem sua importância devido ao ineditismo da aplicação desse método no Imposto sobre Serviços. Utilizou-se a estratégia de estudo de caso, realizando-se análises detalhadas de empresas fiscalizadas entre 2005 e 2006. Empregou-se a abordagem qualitativa para melhor compreender o funcionamento da estrutura organizacional do departamento de fiscalização, coletando-se dados por meio de análise documental e entrevista não estruturada. Pela abordagem quantitativa, verificou- se a aderência do modelo, que sinalizou desvios: notas fiscais paralelas, calçadas e não escrituradas. A análise documental, entrevistas e testes do modelo atuaram num processo de constante triangulação de informações. Os resultados apontam: aderência do modelo à fiscalização do ISS; importância da implementação do método em outras áreas; urgência em se promoverem alterações nas formas e regras para se auditarem as empresas, bem como na divulgação desses resultados para os municípios brasileiros, principalmente por não necessitar de novos investimentos, considerando os escassos recursos na administração pública. Ao final, sugere-se uma agenda de pesquisa com finalidade de se aprimorar a gestão tributária.
Benchmark tests for a Formula SAE Student car prototyping
Authors: Mariasiu Florin
Published: September 2011

Aerodynamic characteristics of a vehicle are important elements in its design and construction. A low drag coefficient brings significant fuel savings and increased engine power efficiency. In designing and developing vehicles trough computer simulation process to determine the vehicles aerodynamic characteristics are using dedicated CFD (Computer Fluid Dynamics) software packages. However, the results obtained by this faster and cheaper method, are validated by experiments in wind tunnels tests, which are expensive and were complex testing equipment are used in relatively high costs. Therefore, the emergence and development of new low-cost testing methods to validate CFD simulation results would bring great economic benefits for auto vehicles prototyping process. This paper presents the initial development process of a Formula SAE Student race-car prototype using CFD simulation and also present a measurement system based on low-cost sensors through which CFD simulation results were experimentally validated. CFD software package used for simulation was Solid Works with the FloXpress add-on and experimental measurement system was built using four piezoresistive force sensors FlexiForce type.
Theoretical aspects of hot forming of sheet metals with graded characteristics
Authors: Neugebauer Reimund , Meza-García Enrique , Cai Hangfeng , Lachmann Lutz , Michael Detlef
Published: September 2011

In the present work some essential aspects related to the simulation of phase transformation during hot forming simulation are discussed. A new material model used for hot forming simulation in commercial finite element code LS-DYNA was applied. Experimental values and bibliographical data were used in order to find optimum input parameters. Based on these parameters a hypothetical hot forming process for a graded component part was simulated. Using tools at varied temperatures and with different thermal properties seems to be a feasible method to achieve a better control of the phase transitions during hot forming.
Plasma generators for thermal plasma processes
Authors: Landes Klaus
Published: September 2011

An overview is given of Plasma Generators developed with the focus on application in thermal spraying, some of which might even find use in other thermal plasma processes. The construction and operation principle of conventional plasma torches as well as of plasma torches with special features are presented. The particular properties and application potential of the innovative plasma generator types “Triplex”, “Delta” and “Large”, each operating with new physical principles, are discussed.
Atom probe tomography: from physical metallurgy towards microelectronics
Authors: Blavette Didier , Duguay Sébastien , Pareige Philippe
Published: September 2011

Atom probe tomography (APT) is the only approach able to map out the 3D distribution of chemical species in a material at the atomic-scale. It has been applied to a number of issues in physical metallurgy including precipitation, segregation of impurities to lattice defects, ordering, magnetic multilayers. The implementation of ultrafast laser pulses instead of high-voltage pulses to field evaporate surface atoms has been a major breakthrough as this opened APT to semi-conductors or oxides that are key materials in microelectronics. This article reviews some of the more recent salient findings in physical metallurgy and microelectronics materials using APT. Special attention is paid to the role played by APT in the elucidation of irradiation-induced segregation effects. The following section deals with the segregation of dopants to crystal defects in silicon, a phenomenon that has a considerable influence on properties and performance of latest generation nano-transistors and devices.
Synthesis of carbon nanotubes by fine Ni particles in Ni3Al foam
Authors: Liu Yong , He Xiaoyu , Tang Huiping , Huang Baiyun
Published: September 2011

The reaction of Ni and Al particles may induce the formation of nickel aluminide intermetallics. However, the imcomplete reaction can produce very fine Ni particles, which are dispersed in a porous Ni3Al skeleton. The composite foam structure can then be used in the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at high temperatures. In this work, the process for this new structure, and then for synthesizing CNTs was investigated. Firstly, fine Ni particles in an Ni3Al porous structure formed by incomplete reaction between Ni and Al powder were made. Then, the effect of the addition of foaming agent, NaCl, on the porosity of the porous structure was studied. This showed that the porosity increases sharply with the addition of NaCl, and a porosity as high as 90% was obtained. Multi-walled CNTs were found in the products of catalytic decomposition of methanol by fine Ni particles in the composite foam structure. Finally, the potential applications of this composite foam structure in the low-cost manufacturing of CNTs, micro-channeled reactors and in-situ CNT reinforced composites are discussed.
Order – disorder transformation in Ni – V alloys under electron irradiation
Authors: Mahadevan Sundararaman , Singh Jung Bahadur , Banerjee Srikumar , Mori Hirotaro
Published: September 2011

The ordering transformations in nickel-rich Ni–V alloys were investigated in situ in a high voltage electron microscope in the temperature range from 300 K to 773 K. The progress of ordering/disordering was monitored from diffraction patterns taken after different periods of time. The {1 1/2 0} ordering instability was noticed during irradiation of ordered Ni3V alloy at 300 K. The increase/decrease in superlattice intensity corresponding to long range ordered phases (Ni3V and Ni2V) in Ni-29 at.% V alloy has been attributed to the net effect of the simultaneous operation of different competing processes such as radiation induced disordering, radiation induced ordering and thermal diffusion assisted ordering.
Paint/Polymer Interface Structure for ABS Injection Moldings
Authors: Aoki Y. , Aita M. , Mizuochi Y. , Kinumura T. , Sugimoto M. , Takimoto J. , Koyama K. , Kiritani H. , Oomori M. , Hirashima A.
Published: September 2011

Structure of paint/polymer interface was investigated for the injection molded and compression molded ABS specimens. For the interface of the injection molded specimen, a peculiar “zigzag” structure formation of several tens μm in size was observed. In contrast, the interface structure was not observed for the compression molded specimen and injection molded specimen annealed above the glass transition temperature (Tg). These facts indicate that the interface structure is related to the residual stress and molecular orientation at the surface of the injection molding specimen, because both surface structures would be removed by annealing at temperatures above Tg. The interface structure was strongly dependent on the curing agent concentration. The depth of the structure decreased with increasing curing agent concentration because of decreasing in curing time. At painting temperature between 70°C and 130°C, the depth and pitch were constant. However, below 60°C and above 140°C, the depth and pitch were changed. These results strongly suggest that the interface structure is attributable to relaxation of the surface residual stress and molecular orientation by paint soaking.
Triangle Rule for Operating Windows and Scale-up Criteria for Volume Resistivity of PP/Carbon Nanotubes Composites
Authors: Polrut W. , Boonliang B. , Tanthapanichakoon W. , Damronglerd S.
Published: September 2011

This study dealt with operating windows and scale-up rules of a compounding twin screw extruder for polypropylene (PP)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) composites with required conductivity. In this study we showed that the experimentally obtained boundary line separating either conductive or non-conductive region is essentially linear, and thus the operating windows, in which the PP/MWCNT composite is consistently conductive with statistically 95% reliability level, can be drawn as a triangle. The use of this triangle rule of the operating windows to achieve required volume resistivity was proposed. With similarity of the length and diameter ratio (L/D) and screw configuration between small (laboratory-scale) and large (production-scale)) extruders, our investigation revealed that the most effective scale-up factors for the volume resistivity are (Dlarge/Dsmall)3 for the throughput, and (Dsmall/Dlarge) for the screw speed as a new scale-up rule generally valid for any machine size.
Crystallization in Polymer Melts: Metamorphism of Flow Induced Nuclei
Authors: Janeschitz-Kriegl H. , Ratajski E.
Published: September 2011

As is well-known, characteristic complementary colors are obtained, if a λ-plate is introduced in white polarized light. This fact is used for an unexpected characterization of nucleation occurring during short term shearing of supercooled melts of iPP. Blue specks show up some time after cessation of flow on a red background. The blue color indicates that these tiny nuclei are oriented in the direction of previous flow. With prolonged waiting these specks extend over a large volume. At their centers spherulites start growing.
Using DNA Barcoding and Standardized Sampling to Compare Geographic and Habitat Differentiation of Crustaceans: A Hawaiian Islands Example
Authors: Plaisance Laetitia , Brainard Russell , Caley M. Julian , Knowlton Nancy
Published: September 2011

Recently, the Census of Marine Life has explored methods to assess coral reef diversity by combining standardized sampling (to permit comparison across sites) with molecular techniques (to make rapid counts of species possible). To date, this approach has been applied across geographically broad scales (seven sites spanning the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans), focusing on similar habitats at all sites (10–12 m forereef). Here we examine crustacean spatial diversity patterns for a single atoll, comparing results for four sites (comprising forereef, backreef, and lagoon habitats) at French Frigate Shoals (FFS), Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii, USA, within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. The Bray-Curtis index of similarity across these habitats at FFS was the same or greater than the similarity between similar habitats on Heron Island and Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef and much greater than similarity between more widely separated localities in the Indo-Pacific Ocean (e.g., Ningaloo, Moorea, French Polynesia or the Line Islands). These results imply that, at least for shallow reefs, sampling multiple locations versus sampling multiple habitats within a site maximizes the rate at which we can converge on the best global estimate of coral reef biodiversity.
Regional Models of Diameter as a Function of Individual Tree Attributes, Climate and Site Characteristics for Six Major Tree Species in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Cortini Francesco , Filipescu Cosmin N. , Groot Arthur , MacIsaac Dan A. , Nunifu Thompson
Published: September 2011

We investigated the relationship of stem diameter to tree, site and stand characteristics for six major tree species (trembling aspen, white birch, balsam fir, lodgepole pine, black spruce, and white spruce) in Alberta (Canada) with data from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Permanent Sample Plots. Using non-linear mixed effects modeling techniques, we developed models to estimate diameter at breast height using height, crown and stand attributes. Mixed effects models (with plot as subject) using height, crown area, and basal area of the larger trees explained on average 95% of the variation in diameter at breast height across the six species with a root mean square error of 2.0 cm (13.4% of mean diameter). Fixed effects models (without plot as subject) including the Natural Sub-Region (NSR) information explained on average 90% of the variation in diameter at breast height across the six species with a root mean square error equal to 2.8 cm (17.9% of mean diameter). Selected climate variables provided similar results to models with NSR information. The inclusion of nutrient regime and moisture regime did not significantly improve the predictive ability of these models.
Antihyperlipidemic Properties of Novel N-(Benzoylphenyl)-5-substituted-1H-indole-2-carboxamides in Triton WR-1339-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats
Authors: Al-Hiari Yusuf , Shattat Ghassan , Al-Qirim Tariq , El-Huneidi Waseem , Sheikha Ghassan Abu , Hikmat Suhair
Published: September 2011

In the search for new potential antihyperlipidemic agents, the present study focuses on the synthesis of novel N-(benzoylphenyl)-5-substituted-1H-indole-2-carboxamides (compounds 8-12, 15, 16, 18) and investigating their antihyperlipidemic activity using Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic rats as an experimental model. Hyperlipidemia was developed by intraperitoneal injection of Triton WR-1339 (250 mg/kg body weight). The tested animals were divided into normal control (NCG), hyperlipidemic (HG), compound 8, 9, 15, 16, 18- and bezafibrate treated groups. At a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight, compounds 9, 16, 18 and bezafibrate (100 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced elevated plasma triglycerides levels after 12 h compared to the hyperlipidemic control group. However, only the group treated with compounds 9, 16 and 18 showed an obviously significant (p < 0.001) reduction in plasma total cholesterol levels after 12 h compared to the hyperlipidemic control group. Moreover, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were significantly (p < 0.0001) increased in all treated groups after 12 h compared to the hyperlipidemic control group, except for compounds 8 and 15 which revealed inactive. It is therefore reasonable to assume that compounds 9, 16 and 18 may have potential in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
A new phenylethyl alkyl amide from the Ambrostoma quadriimpressum Motschulsky
Authors: Zhao Guolei , Yang Chao , Li Bing , Xia Wujiong
Published: September 2011

A new phenylethyl alkyl amide, (10R)-10-hydroxy-N-phenethyloctadecanamide (1), was isolated from the beetle Ambrostoma quadriimpressum Motschulsky. The structure of the amide was determined by NMR and MS. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was confirmed by an asymmetric total synthesis, which was started from L-glutamic acid. The construction of the aliphatic chain was accomplished by the selective protection of the hydroxy groups and two-time implementation of the Wittig olefination reaction.
Pharmacy Owner and Manager Perceptions of Pharmacy Adaptation Services in British Columbia
Authors: Grindrod Kelly A. , Lynd Larry D. , Joshi Pamela , Rosenthal Meagan , Isakovic Alana , Marra Carlo A.
Published: September 2011

Introduction:

As of January 2009, pharmacists in British Columbia (BC) have been able to adapt prescriptions to provide renewals; change the dosage, formulation or regimen; and substitute therapeutically equivalent therapies for reasons of cost or continuity of care.

Objectives:

To describe and characterize pharmacy manager and owner perceptions of pharmacy adaptation services in BC.

Methods:

Over a 1-month period, pharmacy owners, dispensary managers and regional managers from “high-adapter” pharmacies (>60 adaptations/month) and “low-adapter” pharmacies (<10 adaptations/month) were interviewed. During the semi-structured interviews, participants were asked to comment on uptake, cost, revenue and general perceptions of adaptation services. All data were assessed using content analysis.

Results:

Very few capital costs were incurred. Those costs included additional human resource costs (training and staff), updating computer software to produce physician notification forms, fax machine upgrades, additional physical storage and paper. The other emerging themes from the interviews included sustainability, patient and physician knowledge of the program, perceived benefits of the program, suggested changes to the program, high-adapting pharmacies as being champions of pharmacy adaptation services and potential barriers to adoption within a pharmacy.

Discussion:

In general, few changes were made as a result of the adaptation program and minimal capital costs were incurred. The documentation stage was the most labour-intensive aspect of adapting prescriptions. Perceived benefits related to providing the patient with continuity of care. Most of the suggested changes involved reducing restrictions on the program and providing greater opportunities for pharmacists to exercise their clinical judgment.
Contributions of Direct and Indirect Alloresponses to Chronic Rejection of Kidney Allografts in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Nadazdin Ognjenka , Boskovic Svjetlan , Wee Siew-Lin , Sogawa Hiroshi , Koyama Ichiro , Colvin Robert B. , Smith R. Neal , Tocco Georges , O’Connor David H. , Karl Julie A. , Madsen Joren C. , Sachs David H. , Kawai Tatsuo , Cosimi A. Benedict , Benichou Gilles
Published: September 2011

The relative contribution of direct and indirect allorecognition pathways to chronic rejection of allogeneic organ transplants in primates remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated T and B cell alloresponses in cynomolgus monkeys that had received combined kidney/bone marrow allografts and myeloablative immunosuppressive treatments. We measured donor-specific direct and indirect T cell responses and alloantibody production in monkeys (n = 5) that did not reject their transplant acutely but developed chronic humoral rejection (CHR) and in tolerant recipients (n = 4) that never displayed signs of CHR. All CHR recipients exhibited high levels of anti-donor Abs and mounted potent direct T cell alloresponses in vitro. Such direct alloreactivity could be detected for more than 1 y after transplantation. In contrast, only two of five monkeys with CHR had a detectable indirect alloresponse. No indirect alloresponse by T cells and no alloantibody responses were found in any of the tolerant monkeys. Only one of four tolerant monkeys displayed a direct T cell alloresponse. These observations indicate that direct T cell alloresponses can be sustained for prolonged periods posttransplantation and result in alloantibody production and chronic rejection of kidney transplants, even in the absence of detectable indirect alloreactivity.
Critical Roles of RasGRP1 for Invariant NKT Cell Development
Authors: Shen Shudan , Chen Yong , Gorentla Balachandra K. , Lu Jianxin , Stone James C. , Zhong Xiao-Ping
Published: September 2011

The invariant NKT (iNKT) cell lineage contains CD4+ and CD4− subsets. The mechanisms that control such subset differentiation and iNKT cell maturation in general have not been fully understood. RasGRP1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for TCR-induced activation of the Ras–ERK1/2 pathway, is critical for conventional αβ T cell development but dispensable for generating regulatory T cells. Its role in iNKT cells has been unknown. In this study, we report severe decreases of iNKT cells in RasGRP1−/− mice through cell intrinsic mechanisms. In the remaining iNKT cells in RasGRP1−/− mice, there is a selective absence of the CD4+ subset. Furthermore, RasGRP1−/− iNKT cells are defective in TCR-induced proliferation in vitro. These observations establish that RasGRP1 is not only important for early iNKT cell development but also for the generation/maintenance of the CD4+ iNKT cells. Our data provide genetic evidence that the CD4+ and CD4− iNKT cells are distinct sublineages with differential signaling requirements for their development.
Prmt2 Regulates the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Responses in Lungs and Macrophages
Authors: Dalloneau Emilie , Lopes Pereira Patricia , Brault Véronique , Nabel Elizabeth G. , Hérault Yann
Published: September 2011

Precise control of the LPS stimulation in the lung modulates inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness involving the well-known TLR4/NF-κB pathway. As a consequence, the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines is tightly regulated with the recruitment of neutrophils. Changes in the LPS-induced responses have been observed in the Prmt2-Col6a1 monosomic model, suggesting the presence of dosage-sensitive genes controlling LPS pathway in the mouse. In this article, we report that the Prmt2 regulates the LPS-induced lung responses in lungs and macrophages. We demonstrate that Prmt2 gene dosage influences the lung airway hyperresponsiveness, the recruitment of neutrophils, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, Prmt2 loss of function also altered the nuclear accumulation of NF-κB in stimulated macrophages. Prmt2 should be considered as a new member of the NF-κB pathway controlling LPS-induced inflammatory and lung responses in a dosage-dependent manner, certainly through regulating nuclear accumulation of NF-κB as shown already in fibroblasts.
Intracellular HMGB1 Negatively Regulates Efferocytosis
Authors: Banerjee Sami , de Freitas Andressa , Friggeri Arnaud , Zmijewski Jaroslaw W. , Liu Gang , Abraham Edward
Published: September 2011

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a highly conserved protein with multiple intracellular and extracellular functions, including transcriptional regulation, as well as modulation of inflammation, cell migration, and ingestion of apoptotic cells. In these experiments, we examined a potential role for intracellular HMGB1 in modulating phagocytosis. We found that phagocytosis of apoptotic cells resulted in translocation of HMGB1 into the cytoplasm and extracellular space. Transient or stable inhibition of HMGB1 expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages or fibroblasts resulted in increased phagocytosis of apoptotic thymocytes and apoptotic neutrophils. Knockdown of HMGB1 was associated with enhanced activation of Rac-1 and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Intracellular events involved in phagocytosis and upstream of Rac-1 activation, such as phosphorylation of ERK and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), were increased after knockdown of HMGB1. Inhibition of Src kinase activity prevented the increase in phosphorylation of FAK and ERK present during phagocytosis in HMGB1 knockdown cells, and also abrogated the enhancement in phagocytosis associated with HMGB1 knockdown. Interaction between Src and FAK in the cytoplasm of HMGB1 knockdown fibroblasts was enhanced compared with that present in control fibroblasts. Under in vitro conditions, the presence of HMGB1 diminished interactions between purified FAK and Src. These studies demonstrate a novel role for HMGB1 in the regulation of phagocytosis. In particular, these experiments show that intracellular HMGB1, through associating with Src kinase and inhibiting interactions between Src and FAK, diminishes the phagocytic ability of macrophages and other cell populations.
Hydrogen Sulfide Upregulates Cyclooxygenase-2 and Prostaglandin E Metabolite in Sepsis-Evoked Acute Lung Injury via Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 Channel Activation
Authors: Ang Seah-Fang , Sio Selena W. S. , Moochhala Shabbir M. , MacAry Paul A. , Bhatia Madhav
Published: September 2011

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to promote transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1)-mediated neurogenic inflammation in sepsis and its associated multiple organ failure, including acute lung injury (ALI). Accumulating evidence suggests that the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/PGE2 pathway plays an important role in augmenting inflammatory immune response in sepsis and respiratory diseases. However, the interactions among H2S, COX-2, and PGE2 in inciting sepsis-evoked ALI remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether H2S would upregulate COX-2 and work in conjunction with it to instigate ALI in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis. Polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in male Swiss mice. dl-propargylglycine, an inhibitor of H2S formation, was administrated 1 h before or 1 h after CLP, whereas sodium hydrosulfide, an H2S donor, was given during CLP. Mice were treated with TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine 30 min before CLP, followed by assessment of lung COX-2 and PGE2 metabolite (PGEM) levels. Additionally, septic mice were administrated with parecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, 20 min post-CLP and subjected to ALI and survival analysis. H2S augmented COX-2 and PGEM production in sepsis-evoked ALI by a TRPV1 channel-dependent mechanism. COX-2 inhibition with parecoxib attenuated H2S-augmented lung PGEM production, neutrophil infiltration, edema, proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules levels, restored lung histoarchitecture, and protected against CLP-induced lethality. The strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic actions of selective COX-2 inhibitor may provide a potential therapeutic approach for the management of sepsis and sepsis-associated ALI.
Comparison of Vascular Perturbations in an Aβ‐Injected Animal Model and in AD Brain
Authors: Jantaratnotai Nattinee , Ryu Jae K. , Schwab Claudia , McGeer Patrick L. , McLarnon James G.
Published: September 2011

The validity of amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ1–42) intrahippocampal injection, as an animal model of Alzheimer′s disease (AD), has previously been considered in terms of inflammatory reactivity and neuronal damage. In this work, we have extended the testing of the animal model to vasculature by comparison of selected properties of microvessels in vivo with those in human AD brain tissue. The injection of Aβ1–42, relative to control PBS (phosphate buffered saline), increased the mean number of microvessels and diminished the mean length of microvessels in the molecular layer of dentate gyrus. The animal model showed Aβ1–42, but not PBS, injection was associated with abnormalities in morphology of microvessels which were characterized as looping, fragmented, knob‐like, uneven, and constricted. In particular, numbers of constricted microvessels, defined as vessels with diameters less than 3 μm, were considerably enhanced for Aβ1–42, compared to PBS, injection. In comparison, human AD brain demonstrated an elevated number of microvessels with a diminished mean length relative to nondemented (ND) brain. Additionally, microvessel perturbations in AD brain showed a similar pattern of morphological abnormalities to those observed in Aβ1–42‐injected rat hippocampus. Constricted microvessels were a prominent feature of AD brain but were rarely observed in ND tissue. These results provide the first evidence that a peptide‐injection animal model exhibits a commonality in perturbations of microvessels compared with those evident in AD brain.
Control of V(D)J Recombination through Transcriptional Elongation and Changes in Locus Chromatin Structure and Nuclear Organization
Authors: del Blanco Beatriz , García Vanina , García-Mariscal Alberto , Hernández-Munain Cristina
Published: September 2011

V(D)J recombination is the assembly of gene segments at the antigen receptor loci to generate antigen receptor diversity in T and B lymphocytes. This process is regulated, according to defined developmental programs, by the action of a single specific recombinase complex formed by the recombination antigen gene (RAG-1/2) proteins that are expressed in immature lymphocytes. V(D)J recombination is strictly controlled by RAG-1/2 accessibility to specific recombination signal sequences in chromatin at several levels: cellular lineage, temporal regulation, gene segment order, and allelic exclusion. DNA cleavage by RAG-1/2 is regulated by the chromatin structure, transcriptional elongation, and three-dimensional architecture and position of the antigen receptor loci in the nucleus. Cis-elements specifically direct transcription and V(D)J recombination at these loci through interactions with transacting factors that form molecular machines that mediate a sequence of structural events. These events open chromatin to activate transcriptional elongation and to permit the access of RAG-1/2 to their recombination signal sequences to drive the juxtaposition of the V, D, and J segments and the recombination reaction itself. This chapter summarizes the advances in this area and the important role of the structure and position of antigen receptor loci within the nucleus to control this process.
Simultaneous Vibrant Soundbridge Implantation and 2nd Stage Auricular Reconstruction for Microtia with Aural Atresia
Authors: Lim Lynne Hsueh Yee , Xiang Ling , del Prado Jocelynne , Chin Ee Ling , Beltrame Millo Achille
Published: September 2011

Aural atresia and severe microtia are associated malformations that result in problems with hearing and cosmesis, associated speech and language difficulties and diminished self-esteem. In cases where middle ear ossiculoplasty and aural atresia canalplasty are expected to give poor hearing outcomes that would eventually require the use of hearing aids, bone anchored hearing aids or active middle ear implants may be better options. This case report describes a simultaneous Vibrant Soundbridge implantation and 2nd stage auricular reconstruction with rib graft cartilage for an 11-year-old boy with grade III microtia and aural atresia 8 months after the 1st stage reconstruction. Audiometric results of the Vibrant Soundbridge aided ear were comparable to that of the contralateral hearing aid aided ear.
Short-term mortality among patients with non–small cell lung cancer and respiratory failure: a retrospective study
Authors: Medarov Boris , Challa Tejo Ramam
Published: September 2011

Lung cancer remains the number one cause of malignancy-related mortality in the United States. Identifying risk factors that are predictive of short-term mortality among patients with non-small cell lung cancer will allow the patients, their families and health care providers to be better prepared emotionally for the fatal outcome and may attenuate the cost and distress associated with often futile measures. The objective of this study was to measure the 3-month mortality among patients with non-small cell lung cancer who developed respiratory failure. This retrospective study reviewed the outcome of all patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer who were admitted to our hospital with respiratory failure. Respiratory failure was defined as need for mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation, or at least 50% fraction of inspired oxygen. Short-term mortality was defined as death in the hospital or within 3 months of discharge, as well as discharge to hospice; shortterm mortality was found to be 94.4% in the study population. The prognosis of patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer and respiratory failure is grave. Short-term mortality among this patient population is close to 100%.
Attitudes towards older people among Swedish health care students and health care professionals working in elder care
Authors: Engström Gabriella , Fagerberg Ingegerd
Published: September 2011

The proportion of older people in the general population has increased and will continue to increase during the coming decade. Therefore, a positive attitude towards older people is important. The aim of the study was to gain knowledge about attitudes towards older people among health care students and health care staff in Swedish elder care settings. The study includes a convenience sample of 928 respondents comprised of health care students and three groups of professional caregivers [registered nurses (RNs) with university degrees, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), nurses] in a variety of health care settings in Sweden. The participants completed the Kogan’s Old People (KOPS) Scale with 17 positive (OP+) and 17 negative (OP–) statements. The statements score ranged from 17 to 85 respectively. A significant (P<0.05) difference in both positive and negative scores was observed among the three professional caregiver groups. RNs had the highest positive score (OP+:64) as well as the lowest negative score (OP–:36). Health care students in semester one had the most unfavourable attitude toward older people (OP–:41) while students in semester two had the most favourable attitude toward older people (OP+:62). RNs reported both a higher positive score as well as lower negative score compared to nurses without an academic degree and CNAs. In addition, we found that progression in one’s health care education contributes to reduce unfavourable attitudes toward older people. Health care professionals need to have the right skills to manage a more demanding role in the future in order to offer effective services for older people. A skilled workforce of health professionals is therefore very necessary.
The relationship between barriers to change and the work engagement of employees in a South African property management company
Authors: Bell Elsabé , Barkhuizen Nicolene
Published: September 2011

Orientation: For any organisational change initiative to have a successful outcome, people need to contribute and be engaged in the process. Research purpose: The main objective of the research was to determine the relationship between barriers to change and work engagement. The secondary objectives of the research were to determine whether there are significant relationships between barriers to change, work engagement and demographic variables. Motivation for the study: Exploring and understanding the relationship between barriers to change and work engagement amongst different demographic groups will help organisations to predict which working environments and jobs are amenable to organisational change and which will alleviate, and maybe even eliminate, the negative effects of change. Research design, approach and method: The researchers used a cross-sectional survey research design. They drew a convenience sample of 234 employees (N = 234) from a South African property management company. They administered the Barriers to Change Questionnaire and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. Main findings: The results showed a practically significant relationship, with a large effect, between barriers to change and work engagement. In addition, the results showed significant differences between barriers to change and demographic groupings based on home language, ethnicity and organisational level. The results also showed significant differences between work engagement and demographic groupings based on home language, ethnicity and level of education. Practical/managerial implications: Managing barriers to change can increase the work engagement of employees. Contribution/value-add: The research adds to the knowledge about the adverse effects of organisational change initiatives on people.
On the possibility of the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake reactivating Shinmoe-dake volcano, southwest Japan: insights from strain data measured in vaults
Authors: Yamazaki K. , Teraishi M. , Komatsu S. , Sonoda Y. , Kano Y.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. The Shinmoe-dake volcano in southwest Japan, which produced its first major eruption in 52 yr on 26 January 2011 but had been quiescent since 1 March, re-erupted on 13 March. It was only two days after the occurrence of the M = 9.0 Tohoku-oki earthquake in eastern Japan. The coincidence of the two events raises the question of whether the earthquake triggered the volcanic activity. As a provisional but rapid assessment of this question, we examined high-resolution strain data at a site located 18 km from Shinmoe-dake. In terms of the Tohoku-oki earthquake, three points can be drawn from the strain data: (1) static strain changes were less than 0.05 × 10−6, which is too small to trigger an eruption; (2) the amplitudes of dynamic strain changes are on the order of 10−6, which may trigger seismicity or volcanic eruption; and (3) strain rates were not accelerated, which indicates no significant change in magma pressure. Comparing these results with reports of other eruptions coincident with seismic events, and considering a scenario in which a seismic event triggered an eruption, we tentatively conclude that the eruption on 13 March was not a triggered event. However, this conclusion may be revised after analyzing seismic data.
Title: Using Alignment and 2D Network Simulations to Study Charge Transport Through Doped ZnO Nanowire Thin Film Electrodes
Authors: Phadke Sujay , Lee Jung‐Yong , West Jack , Peumans Peter , Salleo Alberto
Published: September 2011

Factors affecting charge transport through ZnO nanowire mat films were studied by aligning ZnO nanowires on substrates and coupling experimental measurements with 2D nanowire network simulations. Gallium doped ZnO nanowires were aligned on thermally oxidized silicon wafer by shearing a nanowire dispersion in ethanol. Sheet resistances of nanowire thin films that had current flowing parallel to nanowire alignment direction were compared to thin films that had current flowing perpendicular to nanowire alignment direction. Perpendicular devices showed ∼5 fold greater sheet resistance than parallel devices supporting the hypothesis that aligning nanowires would increase conductivity of ZnO nanowire electrodes. 2‐D nanowire network simulations of thin films showed that the device sheet resistance was dominated by inter‐wire contact resistance. For a given resistivity of ZnO nanowires, the thin film electrodes would have the lowest possible sheet resistance if the inter‐wire contact resistance was one order of magnitude lower than the single nanowire resistance. Simulations suggest that the conductivity of such thin film devices could be further enhanced by using longer nanowires.
Thrombin generation reveals high procoagulant potential in the plasma of sickle cell disease children
Authors: Noubouossie Denis F. , Lê Phu Quoc , Corazza Francis , Debaugnies France , Rozen Laurence , Ferster Alina , Demulder Anne
Published: September 2011

Changes in several components of the clotting system are well documented in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. However, whether the global hemostatic potential of these patients is altered is still unclear. Calibrated automated thrombogram® method of thrombin generation (TG) was used to characterize the hemostatic potential of 83 SCD children (75 SS, 6 SC, and 2 Sβ thal) at steady‐state as compared with 50 controls of the same range of age. TG was triggered using 1 pM tissue factor and 4 μM phospholipids with and without thrombomodulin. Thirteen SCD children were also evaluated during vaso‐occlusive crisis. Protein C activity, free protein S and D‐dimers levels were measured in parallel. SCD patients showed higher rates of thrombin formation, higher thrombin peak height (with and without thrombomodulin), and higher endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) than controls in the presence of thrombomodulin. Reduction of ETP (RETP) in the presence of thrombomodulin was lower in SCD group compared with controls and correlated both with protein C and protein S levels. ETP, RETP, peak height, and velocity index of TG correlated with D‐dimers. Compound heterozygous patients showed an intermediate hemostatic phenotype at steady‐state. No significant difference was observed when comparing TG parameters during vaso‐occlusive crisis to those obtained at steady‐state in the same patients. The global hemostatic potential is increased and reflects the hypercoagulable state of SCD patients even at steady‐state. The relevance of this finding with respect to the risk of thrombotic complications of the disease needs further investigation. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.