bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transglutaminase Catalysis of Modified Whey Protein Dispersions
Authors: Clare Debra A. , Daubert Christopher R.
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT:  Transglutaminase (TGase) cross‐linking reactions were accomplished using a heat‐modified whey protein concentrate (mWPC) substrate after pH adjustment to 8. Based on earlier reports, the degree of lactosylation with respect to β‐lactoglobulin was lower in mWPC dispersions than measured in commercial whey concentrate (cWPC) protein solutions. In this study, a higher concentration of free sulfhydryl groups was detected in soluble supernatant fractions. Both factors potentially impact the availability of reactive lysine/glutaminyl residues required for TGase reactivity. The addition of 10 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) to the substrate mix, CBZ‐glutaminyl glycine and hydroxylamine, revealed a 3.6‐fold increase in TGase activity, likely due in part to maintenance of the catalytic cysteine residue in a reduced state. Furthermore, inclusion of DTT to mWPC dispersions significantly raised the apparent viscosity, independently of enzyme modification, while the rate of polymerization increased 2‐fold based on OPA assay measurements. Limited cross‐linking slightly increased the apparent viscosity, whereas extensive coupling lowered these values compared to equivalent nonenzyme‐treated mWPC samples. Carbohydrate‐staining revealed formation of glyco‐polymers due to covalent linkages between glucosamine and mWPC proteins after TGase processing. Again, the apparent viscosity decreased after extensive enzymatic modification. Larger particles, sized 11.28 μm, were observed in the structural matrix of TGase‐mWPC‐fixed samples compared to 8 μm particles in control mWPC samples as viewed in scanning electron micrographs. Ultimately, the functional characteristics of TGase‐mWPC ingredients may be custom‐designed to deliver alternative functional attributes by adjusting the experimental reaction conditions under which catalysis is achieved.

Practical Application: Taken together, these results suggest that unique TGase‐mWPC and/or TGase‐mWPC‐glucosamine ingredients may be designed to provide novel, value‐added, polymeric/glyco‐polymeric protein products that afford added benefit for the milk industry.
The influence of forest management and habitat on insect communities associated with dead wood: a case study in forests of the southern French Alps
Authors: LEMPERIERE GUY , MARAGE DAMIEN
Published: May 2010

Abstract.  1. Dead wood plays a key role in the functioning of forest ecosystems and is appropriate for conservation purposes and for maintaining biodiversity. In this context, in mixed silver fir ancient forests of the southern French Alps, the respective influence of management status and decay stages were assessed together with assemblages of saproxylic invertebrates.

2. Although the structure of the saproxylic insect composition showed a strong dependence on the different stages of decaying wood, with groups of species restricted to one particular stage, the other part of this structure was only slightly influenced by the management status.

3. In early successional stages of dead wood that generate ephemeral habitats suitable for specialists, the assemblage of species could locally become extinct very quickly. In intermediate stages which were colonised by other assemblages of species, the richness and abundance of some groups were probably positively correlated with historical continuity at a local scale.

4. In the case of suitable long persistent habitats colonised by species with limited dispersal ability, some old established populations could be temporarily deprived of their potential habitats. However, the actual populations of invertebrates have gone through spatio‐temporal discontinuities in a metapopulational context at the landscape level.
Loops Govern SH2 Domain Specificity by Controlling Access to Binding Pockets
Authors: Kaneko Tomonori , Huang Haiming , Zhao Bing , Li Lei , Liu Huadong , Voss Courtney K. , Wu Chenggang , Schiller Martin R. , Li Shawn Shun-Cheng
Published: May 2010

Selective blocking of binding pockets by surface loops defines the specificity of a phosphotyrosine-binding domain.
Adaptable G Protein
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: May 2010

Gα
q
acts as a scaffold protein to assemble activators of the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK5.
Clinical and Toxicodynamic Evidence that High-Dose Pyrazinamide Is Not More Hepatotoxic than the Low Doses Currently Used
Authors: Pasipanodya Jotam G. , Gumbo Tawanda
Published: May 2010

Antimicrobial pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic studies suggest that pyrazinamide doses higher than those currently recommended may be more efficacious. However, high pyrazinamide doses are believed to be hepatotoxic. Searches for clinical trials in MEDLINE, EBSCOHOST, and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register were made. Studies that employed pyrazinamide dose scheduling and pharmacokinetic analysis design were examined. Population pharmacokinetic modeling methods were utilized to identify parameters associated with toxicity. At an equivalent area under the concentration-time curve, the time that concentration persisted above some thresholds was associated with overall adverse events (P= 0.032), arthralgia (P= 0.089), and an elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase level at 3 months (P= 0.067). Next, a meta-analysis was utilized to compare rates of adverse events (i) between different pyrazinamide doses, (ii) between different dosing schedules, and (iii) between pyrazinamide-containing and non-pyrazinamide-containing antituberculosis regimens. The 29 studies selected were heterogeneous (CochraneQstatisticPvalue of <0.001;I2of >95%). For the once-a-day dosing schedule, arthralgia was dose dependent (r2= 0.996). However, arthralgia was less common with intermittent dosing, consistent with the time concentration persisted above the threshold. Arthralgia was generally clinically inconsequential. The frequencies of hepatotoxicity were 0.057 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.021 to 0.141) for pyrazinamide monotherapy, 0.044 (CI, 0.033 to 0.059) for pyrazinamide-containing combination regimens, and 0.040 (CI, 0.023 to 0.040) for non-pyrazinamide-containing combination regimens. The frequencies of hepatotoxicity were 0.042 (CI, 0.026 to 0.067) for 30 mg/kg of body weight, 0.055 (CI, 0.031 to 0.094) at 40 mg/kg, and 0.098 (CI, 0.047 to 0.193) at 60 mg/kg of pyrazinamide. Thus, high-dose pyrazinamide did not significantly increase hepatotoxicity. This suggests that a considerable portion of hepatotoxicity rates may be idiosyncratic.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Amphotericin B Deoxycholate, Liposomal Amphotericin B, and Amphotericin B Lipid Complex in an
In Vitro
Model of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Lestner Jodi M. , Howard Susan J. , Goodwin Joanne , Gregson Lea , Majithiya Jayesh , Walsh Thomas J. , Jensen Gerard M. , Hope William W.
Published: May 2010

The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic (PK-PD) properties of amphotericin B (AmB) formulations against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) are not well understood. We used an
in vitro
model of IPA to further elucidate the PK-PD of amphotericin B deoxycholate (DAmB), liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) and amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC). The pharmacokinetics of these formulations for endovascular fluid, endothelial cells, and alveolar cells were estimated. Pharmacodynamic relationships were defined by measuring concentrations of galactomannan in endovascular and alveolar compartments. Confocal microscopy was used to visualize fungal biomass. A mathematical model was used to calculate the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) in each compartment and estimate the extent of drug penetration. The interaction of LAmB with host cells and hyphae was visualized using sulforhodamine B-labeled liposomes. The MICs for the pure compound and the three formulations were comparable (0.125 to 0.25 mg/liter). For all formulations, concentrations of AmB progressively declined in the endovascular fluid as the drug distributed into the cellular bilayer. Depending on the formulation, the AUCs for AmB were 10 to 300 times higher within the cells than within endovascular fluid. The concentrations producing a 50% maximal effect (EC
50
) in the endovascular compartment were 0.12, 1.03, and 4.41 mg/liter for DAmB, LAmB, and ABLC, respectively, whereas, the EC
50
in the alveolar compartment were 0.17, 7.76, and 39.34 mg/liter, respectively. Confocal microscopy suggested that liposomes interacted directly with hyphae and host cells. The PK-PD relationships of the three most widely used formulations of AmB differ markedly within an
in vitro
lung model of IPA.
Glycosylation Steps during Spiramycin Biosynthesis in
Streptomyces ambofaciens
: Involvement of Three Glycosyltransferases and Their Interplay with Two Auxiliary Proteins
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Chuong , Karray Fatma , Lautru Sylvie , Gagnat Josette , Lebrihi Ahmed , Ho Huynh Thuy Duong , Pernodet Jean-Luc
Published: May 2010

Streptomyces ambofaciens
synthesizes spiramycin, a 16-membered macrolide antibiotic used in human medicine. The spiramycin molecule consists of a polyketide lactone ring (platenolide) synthesized by a type I polyketide synthase, to which three deoxyhexoses (mycaminose, forosamine, and mycarose) are attached successively in this order. These sugars are essential to the antibacterial activity of spiramycin. We previously identified four genes in the spiramycin biosynthetic gene cluster predicted to encode glycosyltransferases. We individually deleted each of these four genes and showed that three of them were required for spiramycin biosynthesis. The role of each of the three glycosyltransferases in spiramycin biosynthesis was determined by identifying the biosynthetic intermediates accumulated by the corresponding mutant strains. This led to the identification of the glycosyltransferase responsible for the attachment of each of the three sugars. Moreover, two genes encoding putative glycosyltransferase auxiliary proteins were also identified in the spiramycin biosynthetic gene cluster. When these two genes were deleted, one of them was found to be dispensable for spiramycin biosynthesis. However, analysis of the biosynthetic intermediates accumulated by mutant strains devoid of each of the auxiliary proteins (or of both of them), together with complementation experiments, revealed the interplay of glycosyltransferases with the auxiliary proteins. One of the auxiliary proteins interacted efficiently with the two glycosyltransferases transferring mycaminose and forosamine while the other auxiliary protein interacted only with the mycaminosyltransferase.
Intrapulmonary Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Micafungin in Adult Lung Transplant Patients
Authors: Walsh Thomas J. , Goutelle Sylvain , Jelliffe Roger W. , Golden Jeffrey A. , Little Emily A. , DeVoe Catherine , Mickiene Diana , Hayes Maggie , Conte John E.
Published: May 2010

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a life-threatening infection in lung transplant recipients; however, no studies of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PKPD) of echinocandins in transplanted lungs have been reported. We conducted a single-dose prospective study of the intrapulmonary and plasma PKPD of 150 mg of micafungin administered intravenously in 20 adult lung transplant recipients. Epithelial lining fluid (ELF) and alveolar cell (AC) samples were obtained via bronchoalveolar lavage performed 3, 5, 8, 18, or 24 h after initiation of infusion. Micafungin concentrations in plasma, ELF, and ACs were determined using high-pressure liquid chromatography. Noncompartmental methods, population analysis, and multiple-dose simulations were used to calculate PKPD parameters.Cmaxin plasma, ELF, and ACs was 4.93, 1.38, and 17.41 μg/ml, respectively. The elimination half-life in plasma was 12.1 h. Elevated concentrations in ELF and ACs were sustained during the 24-h sampling period, indicating prolonged compartmental half-lives. The mean micafungin concentration exceeded the MIC90ofAspergillusfumigatus(0.0156 μg/ml) in plasma (total and free), ELF, and ACs throughout the dosing interval. The area under the time-concentration curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24)/MIC90ratios in plasma, ELF, and ACs were 5,077, 923.1, and 13,340, respectively. Multiple-dose simulations demonstrated that ELF and AC concentrations of micafungin would continue to increase during 14 days of administration. We conclude that a single 150-mg intravenous dose of micafungin resulted in plasma, ELF, and AC concentrations that exceeded the MIC90ofA. fumigatusfor 24 h and that these concentrations would continue to increase during 14 days of administration, supporting its potential activity for prevention and early treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis.
Characterization of the Role of the Pathogenicity Island andvapGin the Virulence of the Intracellular Actinomycete PathogenRhodococcus equi
Authors: Coulson Garry B. , Agarwal Shruti , Hondalus Mary K.
Published: May 2010

Rhodococcus equi, a facultative intracellular pathogen of macrophages, causes severe, life-threatening pneumonia in young foals and in people with underlying immune deficiencies.R. equivirulence is dependent on the presence of a large virulence plasmid that houses a pathogenicity island (PAI) encoding a novel family of surface-localized and secreted proteins of largely unknown function termed thevirulence-associatedproteins (VapACDEFGHI). To date,vapAand its positive regulatorsvirRandorf8are the only experimentally established virulence genes residing on the virulence plasmid. In this study, a PAI deletion mutant was constructed and, as anticipated, was attenuated for growth both in macrophages and in mice due to the absence ofvapAexpression. Expression ofvapAin the PAI mutant from a constitutive promoter, thereby eliminating the requirement for the PAI-encodedvapAregulators, resulted in delayed bacterial clearancein vivo, yet full virulence was not restored, indicating that additional virulence genes are indeed located within the deleted pathogenicity island region. Based on previous reports demonstrating that the PAI-carried genevapGis highly upregulated in macrophages and in the lungs ofR. equi-infected foals, we hypothesized thatvapGcould be an important virulence factor. However, analysis of a markedvapGdeletion mutant determined the gene to be dispensable for growth in macrophages andin vivoin mice.
Shiga Toxin 2 and Flagellin from Shiga-ToxigenicEscherichia coliSuperinduce Interleukin-8 through Synergistic Effects on Host Stress-Activated Protein Kinase Activation
Authors: Jandhyala Dakshina M. , Rogers Trisha J. , Kane Anne , Paton Adrienne W. , Paton James C. , Thorpe Cheleste M.
Published: May 2010

Shiga toxins expressed in the intestinal lumen during infection with Shiga-toxigenicEscherichia colimust translocate across the epithelium and enter the systemic circulation to cause systemic (pathological) effects, including hemolytic uremic syndrome. The transepithelial migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in response to chemokine expression by intestinal epithelial cells is thought to promote uptake of Stx from the intestinal lumen by compromising the epithelial barrier. In the present study, we investigated the hypothesis that flagellin acts in conjunction with Shiga toxin to augment this chemokine expression. We investigated the relative contributions of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to transcription and translation of interleukin-8. Using reporter gene constructs, we showed that flagellin-mediated interleukin-8 gene transcription is heavily dependent on both NF-κB and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK-1/2) activation. In contrast, inhibition of p38 has no detectable effect on interleukin-8 gene transcription, even though flagellin-mediated activation of host p38 is critical for maximal interleukin-8 protein expression. Inhibition of MAPK-interacting kinase 1 suggests that p38 signaling affects the posttranscriptional regulation of interleukin-8 protein expression induced by flagellin. Cotreatment with Stx2 and flagellin results in a synergistic upregulation of c-Jun N-terminal protein kinases (JNKs), p38 activation, and a superinduction of interleukin-8 mRNA. This synergism was also evident at the protein level, with increased interleukin-8 protein detectable following cotreatment with flagellin and Stx2. We propose that flagellin, in conjunction with Shiga toxin, synergistically upregulates stress-activated protein kinases, resulting in superinduction of interleukin-8 and, ultimately, absorption of Stx into the systemic circulation.
Complement Receptor 1 Expression on Mouse Erythrocytes Mediates Clearance ofStreptococcus pneumoniaeby Immune Adherence
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Jennifer P. , Ghiran Ionita , Cerny Anna , Szalai Alexander J. , Briles David E. , Finberg Robert W.
Published: May 2010

Complement-containing immune complexes can be presented to phagocytes by human erythrocytes bearing complement receptor 1 (CR1). Although this has long been assumed to be a mechanism by which humans are able to protect themselves from “extracellular” bacteria such as pneumococci, there is little direct evidence. In these studies we have investigated this question by comparing results for erythrocytes from transgenic mice expressing human CR1 on their erythrocytes to the results for wild-type mouse erythrocytes that do not express CR1. We demonstrate that human CR1 expression on murine erythrocytes allows immune adherence to beads opsonized with either mouse or human serum as a source of complement. The role of CR1 in immune adherence was supported by studies showing that it was blocked by the addition of antibody to human CR1. Furthermore, human CR1 expression enhances the immune adherence of opsonized pneumococci to erythrocytesin vitro, and the pneumococci attached to erythrocytes via CR1 can be transferredin vitroto live macrophages. Even more importantly, we observed that if complement-opsonized pneumococci are injected intravenously with CR1+mouse erythrocytes into wild-type mice (after a shortin vitroincubation), they are cleared faster than opsonized pneumococci similarly injected with wild-type mouse erythrocytes. Finally, we have shown that the intravenous (i.v.) injection of pneumococci into CR1+mice also results in more rapid blood clearance than in wild-type mice. These data support that immune adherence via CR1 on erythrocytes likely plays an important role in the clearance of opsonized bacteria from human blood.
Polyamines Can Increase Resistance ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeto Mediators of the Innate Human Host Defense
Authors: Goytia Maira , Shafer William M.
Published: May 2010

Polyamines are biogenic polycationic molecules involved in key cellular functions. Extracellular polyamines found in bodily fluids or laboratory media can be imported by bacteria or bind to negatively charged bacterial surface structures, where they can impair binding of antimicrobials. We hypothesized that the presence of polyamines in fluids that bathe urogenital mucosal surfaces could alter the susceptibility of the sexually transmitted strict human pathogenNeisseria gonorrhoeaeto mediators of the innate host defense. Herein we report that polyamines can significantly increase gonococcal resistance to two structurally diverse cationic antimicrobial peptides (polymyxin B and LL-37) but not to antibiotics that exert activity in the cytosol or periplasm (e.g., ciprofloxacin, spectinomycin, or penicillin). The capacity of polyamines to increase gonococcal resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides was dose dependent, correlated with the degree of cationicity, independent of a polyamine transport system involving the polyamine permeases PotH and PotI, and was reversible. In addition, we found that polyamines increase gonococcal resistance to complement-mediated killing by normal human serum. We propose that polyamines in genital mucosal fluids may enhance gonococcal survival during infection by reducing bacterial susceptibility to host-derived antimicrobials that function in innate host defense.
The Structure ofNeisseria meningitidisLipid A Determines Outcome in Experimental Meningococcal Disease
Authors: Fransen Floris , Hamstra Hendrik Jan , Boog Claire J. , van Putten Jos P. , van den Dobbelsteen Germie P. J. M. , van der Ley Peter
Published: May 2010

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of the meningococcal outer membrane, is sensed by the host through activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Recently, we demonstrated that a surprisingly large fraction ofNeisseria meningitidisdisease isolates are lipid A mutants, due to inactivating mutations in thelpxL1gene. ThelpxL1mutants activate human TLR4 much less efficiently than wild-type bacteria, which may be advantageous by allowing them to escape from the innate immune system. Here we investigated the influence of lipid A structure on virulence in a mouse model of meningococcal sepsis. One limitation, however, is that murine TLR4 recognizeslpxL1mutant bacteria much better than human TLR4. We show that anlpxL2mutant, another lipid A mutant lacking an acyl chain at a different position, activates murine TLR4 less efficiently than thelpxL1mutant. Therefore, thelpxL2mutant in mice might be a better model for infections withlpxL1mutants in humans. Interestingly, we found that thelpxL2mutant is more virulent in mice than the wild-type strain, whereas thelpxL1mutant is actually much less virulent than the wild-type strain. These results demonstrate the crucial role ofN. meningitidislipid A structure in virulence.
Differential immunophenotypic analysis of dendritic cell tumours
Authors: Orii Tomohiko , Takeda Hiroaki , Kawata Sumio , Maeda Kunihiko , Yamakawa Mitsunori
Published: May 2010

Aims

The phenotypic and biological characteristics of dendritic cell (DC) tumours have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare the immunophenotypic characteristics of DC-related markers and cell-cycle-associated markers among DC tumours and finally to utilise them for differential diagnosis of DC tumours.

Methods

Tissue sections from 28 patients with DC tumours were immunohistochemically examined using DC-related and cell-cycle-associated markers.

Results

The Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and Langerhans cell sarcoma (LCS) samples were positive for S-100 protein, CD1a, Langerin, fascin, DEC-205 and DC-SIGN. Interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS) was positive for S-100 protein and fascin and negative for Langerin. In addition, two IDCS samples were positive for CD1a, DEC-205 and DC-SIGN. The labelling indices of Ki-67, cyclin A, cyclin B1 and acetylated histone H3 on the LCS and IDCS specimens were significantly higher than those on the LCH specimens. The expression of p53 was also significantly higher in the LCS specimens than in the LCH specimens. The numbers of infiltrating CD123+and FOXP3+cells were also significantly higher in the LCS samples than in the LCH and IDCS samples. Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma was distinguished from other DC tumours by the lack of DC-SIGN, Langerin and DCE-205.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Langerin can be used to distinguish LCS from IDCS, and DC-SIGN and DEC-205 can be used to identify DC tumour cells. The frequency of cell-cycle-associated markers can be used for the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign DC tumours.
Enhancement's place in medicine
Authors: Scripko Patricia D
Published: May 2010

Many enhancement technologies are distributed by healthcare professionals—by physicians—who are held to the Hippocratic Oath and the goals of medicine. While the ethics of enhancement has been widely discussed with regard to the social justice, humanism, morals and normative values of these interventions, their place in medicine has not attracted a great deal of attention. This paper investigates the potential for enhancement technologies to fulfil the goals of medicine, arguing that they play a role in promoting the health of individuals, and thus, an unavoidable place in medicine. It also warns of potential dangers, suggesting a set of guidelines to initiate conversations regarding the role and responsibilities of physicians practising in an era of enhancement.
Recruitment of minority ethnic groups into clinical cancer research trials to assess adherence to the principles of the Department of Health Research Governance Framework: national sources of data and general issues arising from a study in one hospital trust in England
Authors: Godden Sylvia , Ambler Gareth , Pollock Allyson M
Published: May 2010

Background

This article describes the issues encountered when designing a study to evaluate recruitment of minority ethnic groups into clinical cancer research in order to monitor adherence to the principles for good practice set out in the Department of Health, Research Governance Framework, England.

Methods

(i) A review of routine data sources to determine whether their usefulness as a source of data on prevalence of cancer in the population by ethnic category. (ii) A local case study at one hospital trust to ascertain whether the ethnicity of cancer trial participants was representative of admitted cancer patients.

Results

(i) The lack of a comparator population makes it problematic to assess recruitment levels by ethnic group in clinical research. (ii) The odds of being in a trial were 30% lower for a member of a minority ethnic group compared to a white cancer patient after adjusting for disease, age and gender, OR 0.70 (0.53 to 0.94). These results differed for each ethnic group; Asian patients did not appear under-represented while Black and Chinese did so. However, there are important caveats to the findings based on the limited recording of ethnicity.

Conclusions

The lack of available data on the ethnicity of participants in clinical research and the prevalence of cancer in the population according to ethnicity makes it difficult to design a study to monitor representation of minority ethnic groups. This information is necessary to assess adherence to the Research Governance Framework principle that research evidence reflects the diversity of the population.
Paternalism in practice: informing patients about expensive unsubsidised drugs
Authors: Dare Tim , Findlay Mike , Browett Peter , Amies Karen , Anderson Sarah
Published: May 2010

Recent research conducted in Australia shows that many oncologists withhold information about expensive unfunded drugs in what the authors of the study suggest is unacceptable medical paternalism. Surprised by the Australian results, we ran a version of the study in New Zealand and received very different results. While the percentages of clinicians who would prescribe the drugs described in the scenarios were very similar (73–99% in New Zealand and 72–94% in Australia depending on the scenario) the percentage who would not discuss expensive unfunded drugs was substantially lower in New Zealand (6.4–11.1%) than it was in Australia (28–41%). This seems surprising given the substantial similarities between the two countries, and the extensive interaction between their medical professions. We use the contrast between the two studies to examine the generalisability of the Australian results, to identify influences on clinicians' decisions about what treatment information to give patients, and so the tendency towards medical paternalism and, more pragmatically, about how such decisions might be influenced.
Eluana Englaro, chronicle of a death foretold: ethical considerations on the recent right-to-die case in Italy
Authors: Luchetti Marco
Published: May 2010

In 1992, Eluana Englaro was involved in a car accident in Italy that eventually left her in a permanent vegetative state requiring artificial nutrition and hydration. This paper, after briefly reviewing Eluana's case, gives a chronicle of Eluana last months until her death on 9 February 2009, and discusses the right-to-die controversy in Italy. For many years, Mr Englaro, Eluana's father, would litigate to enforce what he considered to be his daughter's wish to discontinue life-prolonging treatment. In July 2008, the Court of Appeal of Milan has given its authorisation for artificial life support to be withdrawn. This ruling sparked a crusade, led by the government and the Vatican, against the court and Eluana's father, which included insinuations that the latter was murdering his daughter. Public opinion has overwhelmingly been sympathetic to the father's difficult decision, in stark contrast to the reactionary stance taken by the government. With the notable advances of medicine, doctors are increasingly faced with ethical issues. The vegetative state is just one of the many clinical conditions that obligate health professionals to reflect on ethical matters. The withdrawal of life-supporting care, and of artificial nutrition and hydration in particular in permanent vegetative state patients remains a measure which violates a tradition and a consolidated practice. It was thus inevitable that it would create great controversy. We should work towards making a decision process that ensures that continuation or suspension of artificial nutrition and hydration follows an explicit procedure, promoting the sharing and respect of the diverse moral responsibility of family members, nursing and medical staff.
Ethical and existential challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis
Authors: Pascal Jan , Endacott Ruth
Published: May 2010

Background

At the point of cancer diagnosis, practitioners may wrestle with ethical dilemmas associated with medico-legal implications of diagnosis, treatment options and disclosure to family members. The patient's perspective can take a different route, focusing on ethical and existential questions about the value and purpose of life, culminating in the question: how do I lead my life after diagnosis?

Objective

To explore the ethical and existential challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis from the perspective of cancer survivors.

Design

Qualitative design using specifically phenomenological methods to enable focus on subjective experience. Two in-depth interviews were conducted over a 6-month period.

Setting

Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.

Participants

15 participants (n=11 women and n=4 men) volunteered to be interviewed. Age ranged from 32 to 85 years of age; length of survival 0.5–25 years; with a range of cancer diagnoses.

Results

Findings demonstrated that participants experienced existential and ethical challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis and subsequent survivorhood. These challenges were present regardless of cancer stage or diagnostic type and pervaded throughout length of survival. The existential challenges included the experience of anxiety and uncertainty about recurrence and metastatic disease. In particular, participants reported iatrogenic uncertainty induced by tests and treatment with follow-up regimes underscoring the fragility of survivor status. Uncertainty served as a ‘wake-up call’ and precipitated ethical challenges. Such challenges involved making meaning of survivorhood and questioning of morals, values and relationships. At times these questions were painful and difficult, creating unease about leading a ‘good’ and purposeful life. Entering ethically rocky terrain was also considered identity enhancing, with reports that a cancer diagnosis could have benefits as well as challenges.

Conclusion

This study identified a number of challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis; these have implications for the preparation of medical, nursing and social work practitioners and should be considered during the design of follow-up support for cancer patients and those in recovery.
Do long periods off work in peak expiratory flow monitoring improve the sensitivity of occupational asthma diagnosis?
Authors: Moore Vicky C , Jaakkola Maritta S , Burge Cedd B S G , Pantin Charles F A , Robertson Alastair S , Burge P Sherwood
Published: May 2010

Introduction

Serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring is a useful confirmatory test for occupational asthma diagnosis. As weekends off work may not be long enough for PEF records to recover, this study investigated whether including longer periods off work in PEF monitoring improves the sensitivity of occupational asthma diagnosis.

Methods

Serial PEF measurements from workers with occupational asthma and from workers not at work during their PEF record, containing minimum data amounts and at least one rest period with ≥7 consecutive days off work, were analysed. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the area between the curves (ABC) score from waking time and Oasys score for occupational asthma were calculated for each record by including only consecutive rest days 1–3 in any rest period, including only consecutive rest days from day 4 onwards in any rest period or including all available data.

Results

Analysing all available off work data (including periods away from work of ≥7 days) increased the mean ABC score by 17% from 35.1 to 41.0 l/min/h (meaning a larger difference between rest and work day PEF values) (p=0.331) and the Oasys score from 3.2 to 3.3 (p=0.588). It improved the sensitivity of the ABC score for an occupational asthma diagnosis from 73% to 80% while maintaining specificity at 96%. The effect on the Oasys score using discriminant analysis was small (sensitivity changed from 85% to 88%).

Conclusions

Sensitivity of PEF monitoring using the ABC score for the diagnosis of occupational asthma can be improved by having a longer period off work.
Reliability-based calibration of resistance factors for static bearing capacity of driven steel pipe piles
Authors: Kwak Kiseok , Kim Kyung Jun , Huh Jungwon , Lee Ju Hyung , Park Jae Hyun
Published: May 2010

As part of a study to develop load and resistance factor design (LRFD) codes for foundation structures in South Korea, resistance factors for the static bearing capacity of driven steel pipe piles were calibrated in the framework of the reliability theory. A database of 52 static load test results was compiled, and the data from these load test piles were sorted into two cases: a standard penetration test (SPT) N-value at pile tip (i) less than 50 and (ii) equal to or more than 50. Reliability analyses and resistance factor calibration for the two static bearing capacity analysis methods adopted in the Korean Design standards for foundation structures were performed using the first-order reliability method (FORM) and the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Reliability indices and resistance factors computed by the MCS are statistically identical to those computed by FORM. Target reliability indices were selected as 2.0 and 2.33 for the group pile case and 2.5 for the single pile case. The resistance factors recommended from this study are specific for the pile foundation design and construction practice and the subsurface conditions in South Korea.
Influence of precommercial thinning on understory vegetation of young-growth Sitka spruce forests in southeastern Alaska
Authors: Cole Elizabeth C. , Hanley Thomas A. , Newton Michael
Published: May 2010

The effects of precommercial thinning on the understory vegetative cover of 16- to 18-year-old spruce–hemlock ( Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carrière – Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) stands were studied in seven replicate areas over seven growing seasons postthinning. Vegetative cover was analyzed at the class level, but species-specific effects were examined in relation to their value as food for Sitka black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis Cowan). When compared with unthinned controls, thinned stands (3.6–6.3 m spacing) had significantly greater understory cover. However, all thinned spacings led to similar understory cover. Conifer cover recovered to about two-thirds of its prethinning level within seven growing seasons posttreatment. Understory nonconiferous cover increased during the first 2–4 years postthinning but began to decline with increasing conifer cover during the next 3 years, nearly reaching pretreatment levels by year 7. In unthinned understories, vegetative cover had declined and was significantly lower than that beneath thinned stands. Summer food resource values for deer were increased by thinning. Winter food resource values were increased by thinning for snow-free conditions but were unaffected for conditions when herb-layer forbs were buried by snow.
Thinning and site quality influence aboveground tree carbon stocks in yellow-poplar forests of the southern Appalachians
Authors: Keyser Tara L.
Published: May 2010

Little information exists regarding the effects of intermediate stand management activities (e.g., thinning) on C storage. This lack of information has created uncertainty regarding trade-offs between the benefits observed following thinning and C storage. Using long-term growth data, this study examines the effect of thinning on C storage while controlling for the effects of site quality in yellow-poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera L.) forests throughout the southern Appalachian Mountains. In 1960, one hundred and eighteen 0.1 ha plots were established in yellow-poplar forests throughout the southern Appalachians and subsequently thinned to a randomly assigned residual basal area (RBA) (square metres per hectare). Carbon storage increased through time across all levels of RBA. RBA had a long-term effect on C storage with greater C storage occurring at greater RBA. On average-quality sites, thinning to 30 m2·ha–1stored 84% more C than thinning to 10 m2·ha–1. At no time did plots with progressively lower RBA store more C than plots with progressively higher RBA. The results from this study provide information about the effects of intermediate silvicultural disturbance on C dynamics of the aboveground live tree pool in a complex landscape and may be used to inform decisions regarding trade-offs between active management and C storage.
Genetic control of wood properties in Picea glauca — an analysis of trends with cambial age
Authors: Lenz Patrick , Cloutier Alain , MacKay John , Beaulieu Jean
Published: May 2010

We investigated the genetic control of wood properties as a function of cambial age to enable improvement of juvenile wood attributes in white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). Increment cores were taken from 375 trees randomly selected from 25 open-pollinated families in a provenance–progeny trial repeated on three sites. High-resolution pith-to-bark profiles were obtained for microfibril angle (MFA), modulus of elasticity (MOE), wood density, tracheid diameter and cell wall thickness, fibre coarseness, and specific fibre surface with the SilviScan technology. Heritability estimates indicated that genetic control of cell anatomy traits and wood density increased with cambial age, whereas the genetic control of MFA and MOE remained relatively low across growth rings. Wood density, radial cell diameter, cell wall thickness, and specific fibre surface were highly heritable, indicating that significant genetic gains could be expected in tree improvement programs, although cambial age at selection may strongly influence the magnitude of realized gains. In contrast, growth-related properties, such as ring width, core length, and tree height, gave weak or nonsignificant heritability estimates. Adverse correlations between mechanical strength and properties related to paper quality suggest that breeding strategies must incorporate both types of traits to improve white spruce wood quality for different end uses.
A resampling variance estimator for theknearest neighbours technique
Authors: Magnussen S. , McRoberts R. E. , Tomppo E. O.
Published: May 2010

Current estimators of variance for the k nearest neighbours (kNN) technique are designed for estimates of population totals. Their efficiency in small-area estimation problems can be poor. In this study, we propose a modified balanced repeated replication estimator of variance (BRR) of a kNN total that performs well in small-area estimation problems and under both simple random and cluster sampling. The BRR estimate of variance is the sum of variances and covariances of unit-level kNN estimates in the area of interest. In Monte Carlo simulations of simple random and cluster sampling from seven artificial populations with real and simulated forest inventory data, the agreement between averages of BRR estimates of variance and Monte Carlo sampling variances was good both for population and for small-area totals. The modified BRR estimator is currently limited to sample sizes no larger than 1984. An accurate approximation to the proposed BRR estimator allows significant savings in computing time.
Evaluating the performance of semi-distance-independent competition indices in predicting the basal area growth of individual trees
Authors: Ledermann Thomas
Published: May 2010

Recent individual-tree growth models use either distance-dependent or distance-independent competition measures to predict tree increment. However, both measures have deficiencies: the latter because the effects of local variation in spacing are not represented, and the former because they cannot be calculated from normal inventory data for lack of spatial information. To overcome these shortcomings, the new class of semi-distance-independent competition indices was proposed. A semi-distance-independent competition index is a distance-independent competition measure that uses only the trees of a single small sample plot that includes the subject tree. Moreover, a semi-distance-independent competition index can be calculated in an analogous way to a distance-dependent competition index by using sample plot size, tree attributes, and intertree distances. However, many semi-distance-independent competition measures are based on simple tree attributes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze if the semi-distance-independent competition indices explain the variation in measurements of tree increment more or less effectively than a set of classical distance-dependent competition indices. The results show that some of the semi-distance-independent competition indices explain at least as much variation in measurements of tree increment as any of the distance-dependent competition indices.
A system for compatible prediction of total and merchantable volumes allowing for different definitions of tree volume
Authors: Nunes Luís , Tomé José , Tomé Margarida
Published: May 2010

A system of equations for compatible prediction of total and merchantable volumes that allows for different definitions of tree volume was developed in this study. The use of the developed system will allow the conversion and subsequent comparison of results from forest inventories using different definitions of tree volume (e.g., including or not the top material of the tree and (or) the stump, inside or outside bark). The compatibility between taper, total volume, and volume ratio equations is ensured by properly integrating the taper equation. The diameter under the bark at any height is modeled with the Demaerschalk taper equation, and the corresponding diameter over the bark is obtained by assuming that bark thickness is also modeled with Demaerschalk’s function. The set of equations that has contemporaneous cross-equation error correlation (known as nonlinear seemingly unrelated regression equations) was fit using nonlinear joint generalized least squares regression. The predictive ability was evaluated using an independent data set. The system is consistent and performs well when applied to maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster Ait.) trees in Portugal, showing better performance than do other total volume equations for maritime pine used in the latest Portuguese national forest inventories.
Caractérisation de la structure spatiale des individus ligneux dans une « brousse tachetée » au sud-ouest du Niger
Authors: Diouf Abdoulaye , Barbier Nicolas , Mahamane Ali , Lejoly Jean , Saadou Mahamane , Bogaert Jan
Published: May 2010

La structure spatiale des végétations périodiques en zones arides est liée, selon des modèles d’auto-organisation, à des processus locaux (facilitation ou compétition). La présente étude visait à vérifier l’importance de ces processus et le rôle du Combretum micranthum G. Don à travers une description de la distribution spatiale des ligneux d’une brousse tachetée au sud-ouest du Niger à l’aide de la fonction K de Ripley. L’organisation spatiale des ligneux révèle une structure à deux échelles : (i) agrégative (rayon moyen, 9–15 m) et (ii) répulsive (vers 35 m), correspondant au patron périodique d’ensemble. Seul le C. micranthum présente une distribution similaire, suggérant un rôle d’espèce « clé de voûte », déterminant la structure d’ensemble. Une agrégation locale d’espèces secondaires autour du C. micranthum suggère fortement une facilitation de portée (1–3 m) proportionnelle au rayon moyen du houppier des arbustes matures, conformément aux prédictions des modèles et aux études empiriques de la dynamique hydrique du sol. L’absence de relation spatiale entre le C. micranthum et les autres espèces de la famille des Combretaceae formant entre elles des agrégats suggère l’existence d’une structure à trois composantes. Ces éléments permettront d’aiguiller les démarches empiriques et d’améliorer les modèles, lesquels s’avèrent indispensables pour la gestion des végétations sahéliennes face aux contraintes d’aridité et d’exploitation.
EQUIPARTITION OF ENERGY IN THE HORIZON DEGREES OF FREEDOM AND THE EMERGENCE OF GRAVITY
Authors: PADMANABHAN T.
Published: May 2010

It is possible to provide a physical interpretation for the field equations of gravity based on a thermodynamical perspective. The virtual degrees of freedom associated with the horizons, as perceived by the local Rindler observer, play a crucial role in this approach. In this context, the relation S = E/2T between the entropy (S), active gravitational mass (E) and temperature (T) — obtained previously in gr-qc/0308070 [CQG, 21, 4485 (2004)] — can be reinterpreted as the law of equipartition E = (1/2) nk B T where [Formula: see text] is the number (density) of microscopic horizon degrees of freedom in an area ΔA. Conversely, one can use the equipartition argument to provide a thermodynamic interpretation of gravity, even in the nonrelativistic limit. These results emphasize the intrinsic quantum nature of all gravitational phenomena and diminishes the distinction between thermal phenomena associated with local Rindler horizons and the usual thermodynamics of macroscopic bodies in non-inertial frames. Just like the original thermodynamic interpretation, these results also hold for a wide class of gravitational theories like the Lanczos–Lovelock models.
A NOTE ON "SPLITTING FOUR ENSEMBLES OF TWO-QUBIT QUANTUM INFORMATION VIA THREE EINSTEIN–PODOLSKY–ROSEN PAIRS"
Authors: LIU YI-MIN , LI MING-LING , GAO HUA-MIN , LIU XIAN-SONG , ZHANG ZHAN-JUN
Published: May 2010

Enlightened by the novel idea in recent literature, we improve the tripartite quantum scheme to be a more economical and efficient one for splitting any two-qubit state in the four specific ensembles with only two Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen pairs as quantum channels.