bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of G-protein–Coupled Receptor Kinase 3 Expression Is a Feature of Classical GBM That Is Required for Maximal Growth
Authors: Woerner B. Mark , Luo Jingqin , Brown Kristin R. , Jackson Erin , Dahiya Sonika M. , Mischel Paul , Benovic Jeffrey L. , Piwnica-Worms David , Rubin Joshua B.
Published: November 2011

G-protein–coupled receptor kinases (GRK) regulate the function of G-protein–coupled receptors (GPCR). Previously, we found that GPCR (CXCR4)-mediated astrocytoma growth was dependent upon abnormally sustained CXCR4 signaling and was correlated with decreased GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation. As CXCR4 has also been implicated in the stimulation of high-grade glioma growth, we sought to determine whether dysregulation of GRK expression and/or function might also be present in high-grade gliomas. In an analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we found that GRK3 expression is frequently decreased in glioblastoma (GBM) of the classical subtype, which possesses signature amplification or mutational activation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. We tested the correlation between GRK3 expression and GBM subtypes, as well as the relationship between the activation of the EGF and other growth factor receptor pathways and GRK expression. In analyses of primary GBM tissue and RNA specimens, we found that GRK3 expression is correlated with established criteria for GBM subtyping including expression of EGF receptor, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α, NF1, PTEN, CDKN2A, and neurofilament. We also found that established drivers of gliomagenesis, the EGF, PDGF, and TGF-β pathways, all regulate GRK expression. Coculture experiments, designed to mimic critical interactions between tumor and brain microvascular endothelial cells, showed that specifically increasing GRK3 expression reduced the trophic effect of endothelial cells on tumor cells. Together, these experiments show that GRK3 is a negative regulator of cell growth whose expression is preferentially reduced in GBM of the classical subtype as a consequence of activity in primary gliomagenic pathways. Mol Cancer Res; 10(1); 156–66. ©2011 AACR.
Metformin Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion by Attenuating CSC Function Mediated by Deregulating miRNAs in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Bao Bin , Wang Zhiwei , Ali Shadan , Ahmad Aamir , Azmi Asfar S. , Sarkar Sanila H. , Banerjee Sanjeev , Kong Dejuan , Li Yiwei , Thakur Shivam , Sarkar Fazlul H.
Published: November 2011

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, which is, in part, due to intrinsic (de novo) and extrinsic (acquired) resistance to conventional therapeutics, suggesting that innovative treatment strategies are required for overcoming therapeutic resistance to improve overall survival of patients. Oral administration of metformin in patients with diabetes mellitus has been reported to be associated with reduced risk of pancreatic cancer and that metformin has been reported to kill cancer stem cells (CSC); however, the exact molecular mechanism(s) has not been fully elucidated. In the current study, we examined the effect of metformin on cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion, and self-renewal capacity of CSCs and further assessed the expression of CSC marker genes and microRNAs (miRNA) in human pancreatic cancer cells. We found that metformin significantly decreased cell survival, clonogenicity, wound-healing capacity, sphere-forming capacity (pancreatospheres), and increased disintegration of pancreatospheres in both gemcitabine-sensitive and gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells. Metformin also decreased the expression of CSC markers,CD44, EpCAM,EZH2, Notch-1, Nanog and Oct4, and caused reexpression of miRNAs (let-7a,let-7b, miR-26a, miR-101, miR-200b, and miR-200c) that are typically lost in pancreatic cancer and especially in pancreatospheres. We also found that reexpression of miR-26a by transfection led to decreased expression of EZH2 and EpCAM in pancreatic cancer cells. These results clearly suggest that the biologic effects of metformin are mediated through reexpression of miRNAs and decreased expression of CSC-specific genes, suggesting that metformin could be useful for overcoming therapeutic resistance of pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Prev Res; 5(3); 355–64. ©2011 AACR.
Acute Tryptophan Depletion Effects on the Vertex and Late Positive Potentials to Emotional Faces in Individuals with a Family History of Depression
Authors: Jaworska Natalia , Thompson Andrea , Shah Dhrasti , Fisher Derek , Ilivitsky Vadim , Knott Verner
Published: November 2011

Background: Depression, which is associated with dysfunctional serotonin (5-HT) activity, may be characterized by impaired emotional information processing. This study assessed the effects of acute tryptophan depletion (TRP–), which transiently lowers CNS 5-HT, on the emotion-sensitive vertex positive potential (VPP) and late positive potential (LPP) event-related potentials (ERPs) and mood in individuals with a family history of depression. The VPP and LPP are thought to index the early and later stages of motivated attentional processing, respectively. Method: Within a double-blind balanced design, ERPs were acquired in 18 individuals with a family history of depression (12 females) after TRP– and TRP+ (balanced) treatment while participants were presented with facial expressions (neutral, as well as sad, joy and surprise at 50 and 100% intensity) and responded to surprised faces. Results: TRP– increased total mood disturbance and maintained depression scores. The VPP and LPP were larger to intense versus mild expressions. Enhanced processing of emotional versus neutral faces, as indexed by the VPP, was primarily evident with TRP–. Speeded and enhanced processing of intensely joyful versus mildly sad faces was found with TRP– (VPP indexed). Compared with TRP+, TRP also increased the VPP to mildly joyful faces. Conclusion: Transient 5-HT decreases in individuals with a family history of depression induce subtle changes in early stages of motivated emotional processing, though not in later ones.
Conditions for Highly Efficient and Reproducible Round-Window Stimulation in Humans
Authors: Schraven Sebastian P. , Hirt Bernhard , Goll Erich , Heyd Andreas , Gummer Anthony W. , Zenner Hans-Peter , Dalhoff Ernst
Published: November 2011

Round-window stimulation is a new clinical approach for the application of active middle-ear implants. To investigate factors influencing the efficiency of round-window stimulation, experiments in 6 human temporal bones were performed with different actuator geometries and coupling conditions. The experiments show that the amplitude ratio between stapes and round-window actuator vibration is most efficient when using a 1.0-mm diameter rod with a 30° inclined tip geometry and an attached silicone pad. In this case, the amplitude ratio is 0.34 for frequencies up to 1.5 kHz and 0.27 for frequencies up to 20 kHz, with a standard deviation of only 4–6 dB at most frequencies. The analysis of data presented here and in a companion paper suggests that control of proper round-window membrane pretension as well as the inclined tip geometry are the major requirements for maximal performance.
Simple model to predict the interlaminar shear strength of laminate composites
Authors: Lee Dong-Joo , Palley Igor
Published: November 2011

The interlaminar shear strength of a unidirectional fiber-reinforced polymer–matrix composite is a fundamental material property that is a limiting design characteristic. To understand the point of weakening and develop a better composite, a simple analytical model is needed to evaluate the interlaminar shear strength. Based on fracture mechanics using a staggered array of parallel fibers with a hexagonal cross-section, the elastic energies of undamaged and damaged cells are obtained. By comparing these energies, the interlaminar shear strength can be calculated. It is found that the predicted interlaminar shear strength decreases with increasing fiber content in a similar manner as the experimental results. Also, the calculated fracture toughness as per Mode II delamination using the measured interlaminar shear strength and the analytical model is quite accurate when compared with various experimental results. Various factors that affect the shear strength are discussed and investigated through results in the literature.
Foster Care and College
Authors: Kirk Chris M. , Lewis Rhonda K. , Nilsen Corinne , Colvin Deltha Q.
Published: November 2011

Despite an overall increase in college attendance, low-income youth and particularly those in the foster care system are less likely to attend college (Wolanin, 2005). Although youth in foster care report high educational aspirations, as little as 4% obtain a 4-year college degree (Nixon & Jones, 2007). The purpose of this study is to explore differences in educational aspirations and expectations among foster care and nonfoster care youth and to explore key predictors of these differences. Using baseline data generated from Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), 1,377 youth were surveyed in regard to their future educational goals, academic self-perception, and level of social support. Results demonstrated that youth from the foster care system report lower educational aspirations and expectations, of which academic self-perception and parental support for education were the best predictors. Limitations and implications for future research will be discussed.
Taking charge after stroke: promoting self-directed rehabilitation to improve quality of life – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Harwood Matire , Weatherall Mark , Talemaitoga Api , Barber P Alan , Gommans John , Taylor William , McPherson Kathryn , McNaughton Harry
Published: November 2011

Objective: Few community interventions following stroke enhance activity, participation or quality of life. We tested two novel community interventions designed to promote self-directed rehabilitation following stroke.

Design: This was a randomized, controlled parallel group 2×2 trial.

Setting: Community.

Participants: Maori and Pacific New Zealanders, >15 years old, randomized within three months of a new stroke.

Interventions: A DVD of four inspirational stories by Maori and Pacific people with stroke and a ‘Take Charge Session’ – a single structured risk factor and activities of daily living assessment, designed to facilitate self-directed rehabilitation.

Main measures: Primary outcomes were Health-related Quality of Life (Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores of the Short Form 36 (SF-36)) 12 months from randomization. Secondary outcomes were Barthel Index, Frenchay Activities Index, Carer Strain Index and modified Rankin score.

Results: One hundred and seventy-two people were randomized with 139 (80.8%) followed up at 12 months post randomization. The effect of the Take Charge Session on SF-36 PCS at 12 months was 6.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0 to 10.0) and of the DVD was 0.9 (95% CI −3.1 to 4.9). Participants allocated to the Take Charge Session were less likely to have a modified Rankin score of >2 (odds ratio (OR) 0.42, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.89) and their carers had lower (better) Carer Strain Index scores (−1.5, 95% CI −2.8 to −0.1).

Conclusion: A simple, low-cost intervention in the community phase of stroke recovery aiming to promote self-directed rehabilitation improved outcomes.
Advancing Regenerative Surgery in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Authors: Moran Cathal J. , Barry Frank P. , Maher Suzanne A. , Shannon Fintan J. , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: November 2011

The constant desire to improve outcomes in orthopaedic sports medicine requires us to continuously consider the challenges faced in the surgical repair or reconstruction of soft tissue and cartilaginous injury. In many cases, surgical efforts targeted at restoring normal anatomy and functional status are ultimately impaired by the biological aspect of the natural history of these injuries, which acts as an obstacle to a satisfactory repair process after surgery. The clinical management of sports injuries and the delivery of appropriate surgical intervention are continuously evolving, and it is likely that the principles of regenerative medicine will have an increasing effect in this specialized field of orthopaedic practice going forward. Ongoing advances in arthroscopy and related surgical techniques should facilitate this process. In contrast to the concept of engineered replacement of entire tissues, it is probable that the earliest effect of regenerative strategies seen in clinical practice will involve biological augmentation of current operative techniques via a synergistic process that might be best considered “regenerative surgery.” This article provides an overview of the principles of regenerative surgery in cartilage repair and related areas of orthopaedic surgery sports medicine. The possibilities and challenges of a gradual yet potential paradigm shift in treatment through the increased use of biological augmentation are considered. The translational process and critical role to be played by the specialist surgeon are also addressed. We conclude that increased understanding of the potential and challenges of regenerative surgery should allow those specializing in orthopaedic surgery sports medicine to lead the way in advancing the frontiers of biological strategies to enhance modern clinical care in an evidence-based manner.
Congenial Bedfellows? The Academy and the Antiquities Trade
Authors: Brodie Neil
Published: November 2011

The illicit trade in antiquities and other cultural objects is socially harmful in several respects. Private collectors and museums are generally considered culpable in providing end demand by acquiring illicitly traded objects, but this article suggests that the facilitating actions of academic experts have previously been overlooked. Through a series of case studies, it examines different ways in which academic expertise is indispensable for the efficient functioning of the trade and suggests that a knowledge-based ethical environment for academic practice would allow scholars to make more informed choices about the propriety or otherwise of their involvement with the trade.
Pilot study of a school-based parent training program for preschoolers with ASD
Authors: Ingersoll Brooke R , Wainer Allison L
Published: November 2011

This study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a parenting training program designed for early intervention and early childhood special education (EI/ESCE) programs serving students with autistic spectrum disorders. Thirteen teachers representing three intermediate school districts implemented the intervention with 27 students and their parents. Eighty-nine percent of families completed the program. From pre- to post-intervention parents improved their use of the treatment strategies and children increased their rate of language during a parent-child interaction in their home. Parents and teachers reported significant gains in child mastery of social-communication skills and teachers, but not parents, reported a significant decrease in social impairment. Parents reported a significant decrease in parenting stress. Both groups rated the intervention highly in regard to treatment acceptability, perceived effectiveness, and usability. Findings suggest that this intervention can be feasibly implemented in public EI/ECSE settings, filling an important gap in services for intervention programs serving children with autistic spectrum disorders.
The Role of Horror and Dread in the Sacred Experience
Authors: Osbaldiston Nick , Petray Theresa
Published: November 2011

In this article we seek to add to the debate/discussion into so called ‘Dark Tourism’. While a plethora of studies analyse this phenomenon through binaries such as authentic/inauthentic, we seek here to approach sites of historical death with a less sceptical view. Rather, like others, we understand tourist engagement with ‘dark’ sites as a source of ritualistic engagement. Using the Australian and New Zealand iconic place of Gallipoli in Turkey as a case study, this article will argue that the experience of pilgrims to sites of death is best discussed through the concept of the sacred. However, it is true that these sites can also disturb visitors. Thus, we propose that the often under-utilized figure in sociology, Hertz, can be consulted in order to comprehend how people negotiate places of ‘dark’ properties, particularly those with national or international heritage value.
Human rights, capabilities and the normative basis of ‘Education for All’
Authors: McCowan Tristan
Published: November 2011

While commitment to a universal entitlement to education is highly desirable, some significant limitations have been identified in the right to education as currently expressed and implemented. This article assesses the contribution that the capabilities approach can make in this regard. While some proponents have suggested that capabilities should replace a rights framework, it is argued here that the elements of ‘threshold’ and ‘duty-bearer’ present in human rights are essential, and that a more promising approach is to combine the two frameworks. Three significant contributions that the capabilities approach can make in relation to Education for All are proposed: providing a fuller conception of the realization of the right to education; addressing the heterogeneity of learners; and guarding against an overly state-facing approach.
Forms of Leadership that Promote Inclusive Education in Cypriot Schools
Authors: Angelides Panayiotis
Published: November 2011

A primary goal of many educational systems in different countries of the world is the offering of equal opportunities in education. My engagement with the literature that relates to inclusive education as well as the literature that relates to educational leadership leads to the conclusion that if we are interested in moving towards more inclusive practices one of the factors that has to be studied in depth, is leadership and its role in the development of these practices. This article studies, through four cases studies of Cypriot schools, the forms of leadership that promote inclusive education and how these forms of leadership manifest in the practices, activities and behaviours of the schools’ headteachers. By studying the four schools it became apparent that the patterns of leadership that supported inclusion were not static. Leaders were trying to understand the local context and then developed their own strategies. They also supported learning in informal learning environments and took into consideration children’s voices.
A School Evaluation Policy with a Dual Character
Authors: Yeung Sze Yin Shirley
Published: November 2011

This article reports research conducted recently into evaluation policy. The research comprises two parts: a questionnaire survey and qualitative interviews. Drawing from data collected in a survey of 65 curriculum leaders and interviews with 12 from the group, the article discusses how school evaluation policy functions to help make schools accountable to the community. This article reports findings from the study, which include the purposes, features and impacts of the policy as perceived by the curriculum leaders; and the strategies adopted by school teachers to deal with the evaluation procedures. It is found that the school evaluation policy has ‘dual characters’. The article then discusses the problems that may arise if the authorities fails to strike a balance between these dual characters, and instead puts too much emphasis on school effectiveness. It highlights the potential problems of excessive reliance on bureaucratic accountability and market-oriented accountability.
Acute leukemia incidence and patient survival among children and adults in the United States, 2001-2007
Authors: Dores Graça M. , Devesa Susan S. , Curtis Rochelle E. , Linet Martha S. , Morton Lindsay M.
Published: November 2011

Since 2001, the World Health Organization classification for hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasms has provided a framework for defining acute leukemia (AL) subtypes, although few population-based studies have assessed incidence patterns and patient survival accordingly. We assessed AL incidence rates (IRs), IR ratios (IRRs), and relative survival in the United States (2001-2007) in one of the first population-based, comprehensive assessments. Most subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL/L) predominated among males, from twice higher incidence of T-cell ALL/L among males than among females (IRR = 2.20) to nearly equal IRs of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL; IRR = 1.08). Compared with non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics had significantly higher incidence of B-cell ALL/L (IRR = 1.64) and APL (IRR = 1.28); blacks had lower IRs of nearly all AL subtypes. All ALL/L but only some AML subtypes were associated with a bimodal age pattern. Among AML subtypes, survival was highest for APL and AML with inv(16). B-cell ALL/L had more favorable survival than T-cell ALL/L among the young; the converse occurred at older ages. Limitations of cancer registry data must be acknowledged, but the distinct AL incidence and survival patterns based on the World Health Organization classification support biologic diversity that should facilitate etiologic discovery, prognostication, and treatment advances.
Whole genome resequencing of black Angus and Holstein cattle for SNP and CNV discovery
Authors: Stothard Paul , Choi Jung-Woo , Basu Urmila , Sumner-Thomson Jennifer M , Meng Yan , Liao Xiaoping , Moore Stephen S
Published: November 2011

Background

One of the goals of livestock genomics research is to identify the genetic differences responsible for variation in phenotypic traits, particularly those of economic importance. Characterizing the genetic variation in livestock species is an important step towards linking genes or genomic regions with phenotypes. The completion of the bovine genome sequence and recent advances in DNA sequencing technology allow for in-depth characterization of the genetic variations present in cattle. Here we describe the whole-genome resequencing of two Bos taurus bulls from distinct breeds for the purpose of identifying and annotating novel forms of genetic variation in cattle.

Results

The genomes of a Black Angus bull and a Holstein bull were sequenced to 22-fold and 19-fold coverage, respectively, using the ABI SOLiD system. Comparisons of the sequences with the Btau4.0 reference assembly yielded 7 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 24% of which were identified in both animals. Of the total SNPs found in Holstein, Black Angus, and in both animals, 81%, 81%, and 75% respectively are novel. In-depth annotations of the data identified more than 16 thousand distinct non-synonymous SNPs (85% novel) between the two datasets. Alignments between the SNP-altered proteins and orthologues from numerous species indicate that many of the SNPs alter well-conserved amino acids. Several SNPs predicted to create or remove stop codons were also found. A comparison between the sequencing SNPs and genotyping results from the BovineHD high-density genotyping chip indicates a detection rate of 91% for homozygous SNPs and 81% for heterozygous SNPs. The false positive rate is estimated to be about 2% for both the Black Angus and Holstein SNP sets, based on follow-up genotyping of 422 and 427 SNPs, respectively. Comparisons of read depth between the two bulls along the reference assembly identified 790 putative copy-number variations (CNVs). Ten randomly selected CNVs, five genic and five non-genic, were successfully validated using quantitative real-time PCR. The CNVs are enriched for immune system genes and include genes that may contribute to lactation capacity. The majority of the CNVs (69%) were detected as regions with higher abundance in the Holstein bull.

Conclusions

Substantial genetic differences exist between the Black Angus and Holstein animals sequenced in this work and the Hereford reference sequence, and some of this variation is predicted to affect evolutionarily conserved amino acids or gene copy number. The deeply annotated SNPs and CNVs identified in this resequencing study can serve as useful genetic tools, and as candidates in searches for phenotype-altering DNA differences.
Mucosal atrophy in collagenous colitis: a case report
Authors: Majores Michael , Wunsch Steffen , Blume Bernd , Fischer Hans-Peter , Reichel Christoph
Published: November 2011

Background

Mucosal atrophy as a potential cause of impaired colonic compliance has not yet been described as a complication in Collagenous Colitis (CC).

Case presentation

We present a 51-year-old female patient with a 20-year history of diarrhea and diagnosed with CC ten years prior to her presentation. We reviewed reports from three colonoscopies performed after the diagnosis. Overall 12 biopsies obtained in the last two colonoscopies were re-analyzed by two pathologists blinded to the aim of the study. Besides the typical histological findings of CC, the endoscopic appearance was normal, and no histological signs of atrophy were found during the first colonoscopy. Surprisingly, the second and third colonoscopy revealed a region of advanced segmental mucosal atrophy in the cecum with the mucosal height normalizing toward the transverse colon. This pattern of atrophy was inversely related to the pattern of sub-epithelial collagen deposition, which increased toward the rectum.

Conclusion

If no chance occurrence, our observation supports the idea that additional factors, probably luminal in nature, may be co-responsible for the mucosal atrophy in this case. Thus, mucosal atrophy in the proximal colon appears to be a new candidate among the growing list of rare complications associated with long standing CC.
Ozonated autohemotherapy: protection of kidneys from ischemia in rats subjected to unilateral nephrectomy
Authors: Foglieni Chiara , Fulgenzi Alessandro , Belloni Daniela , Sciorati Clara , Ferrero Elisabetta , Ferrero Maria Elena
Published: November 2011

Background

Ozonated autohemotherapy (OA) has been previously successfully used in the treatment of patients affected by peripheral occlusive arterial disease. OA consists of an intrafemoral reinfusion of autologous blood previously exposed to a mixture of oxygen/ozone (O2/O3). This study analyzes the effects of OA in protecting rat kidney from ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion damage.

Methods

We performed OA 30 min before the induction of 60 min renal ischemia or at the induction of 60 min postischemic reperfusion in rats subjected to unilateral nephrectomy. In addition, to evidence the possible protection induced by O2/O3 on endothelial functions, the present study analyzes the in vitro effects of O2/O3 on oxygen consumption by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

Results

1) OA preserves rat kidney functions and architecture, as demonstrated by the improved levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and by histology; 2) such protection does not correlate with the increase of plasmatic nitric oxide, but is compatible with a focal renal increase of renal βNADPH-diaphorase; 3) treatment of HUVEC with O2/O3 significantly increases both the rate of oxygen consumption and the mitochondrial activity assessed by confocal microscopy.

Conclusion

The preservation of the mitochondrial activity of endothelium could in vivo limit the endothelial dysfunction provoked by the Isc or Isc/R processes.
Microalgae as bioreactors for bioplastic production
Authors: Hempel Franziska , Bozarth Andrew S , Lindenkamp Nicole , Klingl Andreas , Zauner Stefan , Linne Uwe , Steinbüchel Alexander , Maier Uwe G
Published: November 2011

Background

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a polyester with thermoplastic properties that is naturally occurring and produced by such bacteria as Ralstonia eutropha H16 and Bacillus megaterium. In contrast to currently utilized plastics and most synthetic polymers, PHB is biodegradable, and its production is not dependent on fossil resources making this bioplastic interesting for various industrial applications.

Results

In this study, we report on introducing the bacterial PHB pathway of R. eutropha H16 into the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, thereby demonstrating for the first time that PHB production is feasible in a microalgal system. Expression of the bacterial enzymes was sufficient to result in PHB levels of up to 10.6% of algal dry weight. The bioplastic accumulated in granule-like structures in the cytosol of the cells, as shown by light and electron microscopy.

Conclusions

Our studies demonstrate the great potential of microalgae like the diatom P. tricornutum to serve as solar-powered expression factories and reveal great advantages compared to plant based production systems.
Enhanced photo-sensitivity through an increased light-trapping on Si by surface nano-structuring using MWCNT etch mask
Authors: Hwang Min-Young , Kim Hyungsuk , Kim Eun-Soo , Lee Jihoon , Koo Sang-Mo
Published: November 2011

We demonstrate an enhanced photo-sensitivity (PS) through an increased light-trapping using surface nano-structuring technique by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching on multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) etch masked Si with hexamethyl-disilazane (HMDS) dispersion. In order for a systematic comparison, four samples are prepared, respectively, by conventional photolithography and ICP etching using MWCNT as a etch mask. MWCNT-etched Si with HMDS dispersion shows the highest RMS roughness and the lowest reflectance of the four. Two test device structures are fabricated with active regions of bare-Si as a reference and MWCNT etch masked Si with HMDS dispersion. The increased light-trapping was most significant at mid-UV, somewhat less at visible and less noticeable at infrared. With an ICP-etched Si using CNT HMDS dispersion, PS is very sharply increased. This result can lead to applications in optoelectronics where the enhancement in light-trapping is important.
Thermal stability of hepatitis E virus assessed by a molecular biological approach
Authors: Schielke Anika , Filter Matthias , Appel Bernd , Johne Reimar
Published: November 2011

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a pathogen of emerging concern in industrialized countries. The consumption of wild boar meat has been identified as one risk factor for autochthonous HEV infections. Only limited information is available about thermal stability of HEV, mainly due to the lack of rapid and efficient cell culture systems for measurement of HEV infectivity.

Methods

A molecular biological method was implemented in order to distinguish disassembled from intact viral particles using RNase treatment followed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The method was applied to a wild boar liver suspension containing HEV genotype 3.

Results

Time-course analyses indicated that the decline of protected RNA could be described by a biphasic model with an initial decrease followed by a stationary phase. The stationary phase was reached after 1 hour at 4°C, 3 days at 22°C and 7 days at 37°C with log reductions of 0.34, 0.45 and 1.24, respectively. Protected RNA was detectable until the end of the experiments at day 50 or 70. Heat exposure for 1 minute resulted in a log reduction of 0.48 at 70°C and increased with higher temperatures to 3.67 at 95°C. Although HEV infectivity titration by inoculation of the liver suspension onto three cell lines did not succeed, the results of the RNase-based method are in accordance with published cell culture-based data.

Conclusions

Measurement of intact viral particles using the RNase-based method may provide data on the stability of RNA viruses when cell culture-based infectivity titrations are not efficient or not available. The method enables processing of large sample numbers and may be suitable to estimate stability of HEV in different types of food.
Phenotypes of Pain Behavior in Phospholipase C-Related but Catalytically Inactive Protein Type 1 Knockout Mice
Authors: Migita Keisuke , Tomiyama Masahiko , Yamada Junko , Fukuzawa Masashi , Kanematsu Takashi , Hirata Masato , Ueno Shinya
Published: November 2011

Phospholipase C-related inactive protein (PRIP) plays important roles in trafficking to the plasma membrane of GABAA receptor, which is involved in the dominant inhibitory neurotransmission in the spinal cord and plays an important role in nociceptive transmission. However, the role of PRIP in pain sensation remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the phenotypes of pain behaviors in PRIP type 1 knockout ( PRIP-1−/−) mice. The mutant mice showed hyperalgesic responses in the second phase of the formalin test and the von Frey test as compared with those in wild-type mice. In situ hybridization studies of GABAA receptors revealed significantly decreased expression of γ2 subunit mRNA in the dorsal and ventral horns of the spinal cord in PRIP-1−/− mice, but no difference in α1 subunit mRNA expression. β2 subunit mRNA expression was significantly higher in PRIP-1−/− mice than in wild-type mice in all areas of the spinal cord. On the other hand, the slow decay time constant for the spontaneous inhibitory current was significantly increased by treatment with diazepam in wild-type mice, but not in PRIP-1−/− mice. These results suggest that PRIP-1 mice exhibit the changes of the function and subunits expression of GABAA receptor in the spinal cord, which may be responsible for abnormal pain sensation in these mice.
Improved Bevirimat resistance prediction by combination of structural and sequence-based classifiers
Authors: Dybowski J Nikolaj , Riemenschneider Mona , Hauke Sascha , Pyka Martin , Verheyen Jens , Hoffmann Daniel , Heider Dominik
Published: November 2011

Background

Maturation inhibitors such as Bevirimat are a new class of antiretroviral drugs that hamper the cleavage of HIV-1 proteins into their functional active forms. They bind to these preproteins and inhibit their cleavage by the HIV-1 protease, resulting in non-functional virus particles. Nevertheless, there exist mutations in this region leading to resistance against Bevirimat. Highly specific and accurate tools to predict resistance to maturation inhibitors can help to identify patients, who might benefit from the usage of these new drugs.

Results

We tested several methods to improve Bevirimat resistance prediction in HIV-1. It turned out that combining structural and sequence-based information in classifier ensembles led to accurate and reliable predictions. Moreover, we were able to identify the most crucial regions for Bevirimat resistance computationally, which are in line with experimental results from other studies.

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrated the use of machine learning techniques to predict HIV-1 resistance against maturation inhibitors such as Bevirimat. New maturation inhibitors are already under development and might enlarge the arsenal of antiretroviral drugs in the future. Thus, accurate prediction tools are very useful to enable a personalized therapy.
Slice orientation and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor activation determine the involvement of N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subunit GluN2B in hippocampal area CA1 long-term depression
Authors: Bartlett Thomas E , Lu Jie , Wang Yu Tian
Published: November 2011

Background

The contribution of different GluN2 subunits of the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor to the induction of bidirectional hippocampal synaptic plasticity is a controversial topic. As both supporting and refuting evidence for the hypothesis of subunit specialization in opposing directions of plasticity has accumulated since it was first proposed a few years ago, we hypothesize that differences in experimental conditions may have in part contributed to some of the inconsistent results from these studies. Here we investigate the controversial hypothesis that long-term depression (LTD) is preferentially induced by GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in area CA1 of hippocampal slices.

Results

We find that brain slices from 2-3 week old rats prepared in the sagittal orientation have GluN2B-independent LTD whereas slices prepared in the coronal orientation have GluN2B-dependent LTD. There was no difference between the orientations in the fraction of the NMDAR EPSC sensitive to a GluN2B-selective antagonist, leading us to believe that the intracellular signaling properties of the NMDARs were different in the two preparations. Coronal slices had greater association of LTD-related intracellular signaling protein RasGRF1 with GluN2B relative to sagittal slices. Antagonism of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in the sagittal slices returned LTD to a GluN2B-dependent form and increased the association of GluN2B with RasGRF1.

Conclusions

These results suggest a novel form of NMDAR modulation by mAChRs and clarify some disagreement in the literature.
National Oncology Practice Benchmark, 2011 Report on 2010 Data
Authors: Barr Thomas R. , Towle Elaine L.
Published: November 2011

Benchmarking is widely recognized as the best, most efficient way to find opportunities to improve a practice and then monitor progress after corrective action is taken. The National Practice Benchmark provides important and meaningful data for oncology practices to use in today's challenging practice environment.
Improving Quality and Addressing the Rising Costs of Cancer Care: Two Birds, One Stone
Authors: Luke Jason , Mirkin Joshua , Bach Peter
Published: November 2011

The authors discuss the current state of Medicare reimbursement policy and outline their recently published model to link improvements in the quality of cancer care to reductions in overall cost.
Achieving Exemplary Attributes With AccrualNet
Authors: Baer Allison R. , Hajovsky Jane , Zon Robin
Published: November 2011

The AccrualNet Web site is a helpful compilation of resources for sites aspiring to improve trial accrual.
Use of Natriuretic Peptides to Guide and Monitor Heart Failure Therapy
Authors: Richards A Mark , Troughton Richard W
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND

Plasma B-type cardiac natriuretic peptides reflect cardiac structure and function and have proven roles in assisting in the diagnosis of acute heart failure. They are independent prognostic indicators across the full spectrum of cardiovascular disease. Serial changes in plasma B-type cardiac natriuretic peptides parallel prognosis in chronic heart failure. Beneficial responses to medications and devices used in the treatment of heart failure are associated with decreases in plasma B-type peptide concentrations. This effect has led to the hypothesis that intensified treatment directed at reducing B-peptide concentrations may improve outcomes in heart failure.

CONTENT

The efficacy of serial measurements of plasma B-type peptides in guiding titration of therapy for chronic heart failure has been the subject of several randomized controlled trials reported in the peer-reviewed literature since 2000. These reports are summarized in this review. Trial design, characteristics of the heart-failure population studied, duration of follow-up, exact end points recorded, and target peptide concentrations pursued all differ somewhat between trials. In addition, in studies in which benefits were seen, the exact mechanisms mediating the improvements in outcome were unclear. However, an overall consistency is emerging that is supported by 2 metaanalyses.

In aggregate the existing trial data suggest that adjustment of treatment in chronic heart failure according to serial B-type peptide measurements, used in conjunction with established clinical methods, is likely to reduce cardiac mortality and hospital admissions with heart failure, at least in patients with systolic heart failure who are younger than 75 years and relatively free of comorbidities.
‘Jazz’ at large
Authors: Schutte Jan Harm
Published: November 2011

A number of scholars have discussed how ‘jazz’ has been constructed as being the creative product of the United States of America. The article draws on some of the ideas of Arjun Appadurai in order to show how the music of two non Americans, Moses Molelekwa (South Africa) and Nah Youn-Sun (South Korea), may be understood as challenging which sounds may be classified as ‘jazz’, and who may be included in its audiences. I will focus on their active involvement in—frequently trans-global—collaborations with artists outside or on the peripheries of ‘jazz’. The article also explores the conditions of globalization that make possible such reconfigurations and how these dynamics relate to broader processes of reimagining global geographies of power and music. In discussing the musical performances of these ‘jazz’ artists, I hope to reflect on the role of the imagination in the process of genre definition.
On jazz, memory and history
Authors: Gebhardt Nicholas
Published: November 2011

This essay is a response to Alyn Shipton's essay in the previous edition of the journal. It will explore two related ideas: firstly, what the concept of memory offers the process of documenting jazz history; and secondly, the implications a theory of memory has for how jazz critics interpret that history and the documents on which they rely to verify the past.
Conversion of ‘Tifway’ Bermudagrass Stands to ‘Zorro’ Zoysiagrass Turf using Combinations of Dazomet and EPTC
Authors: Doroh Mark C. , McElroy J. Scott , Van Santen Edzard , Walker Robert H.
Published: November 2011

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of herbicides and soil sterilants for the fairway conversion of ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass to ‘Zorro’ zoysiagrass. Treatments included glyphosate (4.48 kg ae ha−1), EPTC (7.84 kg ai ha−1), dazomet (338 kg ai ha−1), siduron (13.4 kg ai ha−1), glyphosate plus ETPC (4.48 + 7.84 kg ha−1), glyphosate plus dazomet (4.48 + 338 kg ha−1), EPTC plus siduron (7.84 + 13.4 kg ha−1), and dazomet plus siduron (338 + 13.4 kg ha−1). Glyphosate treatments were applied 5 wk prior to establishment (WPE), dazomet and EPTC treatments were applied 3 WPE, and siduron was applied at establishment. Dazomet and EPTC treatments were incorporated to a depth of 10 to 15 cm with a rotary tiller and rolled with a weighted roller to reduce losses from volatilization after application. Zorro zoysiagrass was established in June 2008 and 2009 using a mixture of rhizomes and stolons at a rate of 76 cm3m−2. Results indicate that glyphosate + dazomet, glyphosate + EPTC, dazomet + siduron, and EPTC + siduron were equally effective at controlling Tifway bermudagrass. EPTC and dazomet controlled bermudagrass more effectively when used in combination with glyphosate or siduron. There were no significant differences in bermudagrass cover between the EPTC combinations with glyphosate or siduron and dazomet applied with glyphosate or siduron. Comparing EPTC- and dazomet-alone, EPTC yielded less bermudagrass cover (32%) than dazomet (71%). At present, research is limited on using EPTC for controlling perennial grasses in turfgrass systems. Data from these studies demonstrate the potential use of EPTC as a preplant soil herbicide to control hybrid bermudagrass during zoysiagrass renovation.
Influence of Cover Crops on Weed Management in Strip Tillage Peanut
Authors: Lassiter Bridget R. , Jordan David L. , Wilkerson Gail G. , Shew Barbara B. , Brandenburg Rick L.
Published: November 2011

Experiments were conducted in North Carolina during 2005, 2006, and 2007 to determine peanut and weed response when peanut was planted in strip tillage after desiccation of cereal rye, Italian ryegrass, oats, triticale, wheat, and native vegetation by glyphosate and paraquat before planting with three in-season herbicide programs. Control of common ragweed and yellow nutsedge did not differ among cover crop treatments when compared within a specific herbicide program. Applying dimethenamid orS-metolachlor plus diclosulam PRE followed by imazapic POST was more effective than a chloroacetamide herbicide PRE followed by acifluorfen, bentazon, and paraquat POST. Incidence of spotted wilt in peanut (caused by aTospovirus) did not differ when comparing cover crop treatments, regardless of herbicide program. Peanut yield increased in all 3 yr when herbicides were applied POST, compared with clethodim only. Peanut yield was not affected by cover crop treatment. Response to cover crop treatments was comparable, suggesting that growers can select cereal rye, Italian ryegrass, oats, or triticale as an alternative to wheat as a cover crop in peanut systems without experiencing differences associated with in-season weed management.
Recognizing and Managing Violence in the NICU
Authors: Early Margaret Rivero
Published: November 2011

Purpose: To determine (1) the nature and frequency of threatening or violent events in the NICU workplace, (2) whether nurses feel confident in their ability to recognize and deal with these events, (3) whether there is an association between violence training and confidence in the ability to recognize and manage violence, and (4) whether NICU nurses report and document these events.

Design: A descriptive, self-administered questionnaire.

Sample: A nonprobability sample comprised of 68 RNs employed in a Level III NICU in a midwestern metropolitan-area hospital.

Main Outcome Variables: Types and frequencies of threatening or violent events in the NICU; nurses’ confidence in their ability to recognize/manage these events; nurses’ reporting/documentation of these events.

Results: Fifty-four percent of the sample experienced threatening or violent workplace events; 83.8 percent of the sample felt confident in their ability to recognize violent situations; 69.1 percent felt confident in their ability to manage violent situations. Various means were reported for documenting and reporting such events, but 27 percent neither reported nor documented violent events.
Comfort Scale: A Reliable and Valid Method to Measure the Amount of Stress of Ventilated Preterm Infants
Authors: Wielenga J. , De Vos R. , de Leeuw R. , De Haan R.
Published: November 2011

Objective:Assessment of clinimetric properties and diagnostic quality of a stress measurement scale (COMFORT scale).

Design:Sample of an open population.

Setting:Neonatology department (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), Academic Medical Centre/Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Method:One clinical expert and 9 observers observed ventilated premature born babies simultaneously. Criterion validity was assessed by correlating the COMFORT scale with the clinical judgment regarding the amount of stress. Interobserver reliability was assessed on the clinical judgment as well as on the COMFORT scale. Diagnostic qualities were evaluated with a ROC curve.

Results:On 19 ventilated prematurely born babies (mean gestational age 30 weeks, mean birth weight 1385 gm), one clinical expert and 9 observers made 30 paired observations. The criterion validity of the COMFORT scale was good (Pearson’s r of 0.84). The interobserver reliability of the clinical judgment was very good (weighted Kappa 0.84). The interobserver reliability of each item varied from good to almost perfect (weighted Kappa of 0.64 for muscle tone to 1.00 on heart rate). The reliability of the total COMFORT scale score was satisfying (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.94). The diagnostic quality of the COMFORT scale was excellent, at a cut-off point of 20 the sensitivity was 100 percent, the specificity was 77 percent, and the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95.

Conclusion:In this first evaluation, the COMFORT scale appears to be a valid and reliable measurement tool to assess the stress of ventilated prematurely born babies.