bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disciplinary Exclusion and Students With Disabilities
Authors: Duran Jaime B. , Zhou Qiong , Frew Leigh Ann , Kwok Oi-Man , Benz Michael R.
Published: November 2011

In this study, the authors investigated the role of social skills in disciplinary exclusion by examining parent and teacher ratings of students as having either high or low social skills. Data were drawn from 1,438 students from the Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study. Findings indicated that social skills mediated disciplinary inclusion for students with the following characteristics: males, African Americans, students identified with emotional and behavioral disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and students from low-income backgrounds. Moreover, students with high social skills were subject to disciplinary exclusion less often than peers with lower social skills. More research regarding the relationship of social skills to disciplinary exclusion is warranted due to the positive effects of high social skills.
Optimization and integration of shape memory alloy (SMA)-based elastic actuators within a morphing flap architecture
Authors: Ameduri Salvatore , Brindisi Angela , Tiseo Barbara , Concilio Antonio , Pecora Rosario
Published: November 2011

Aircraft morphing architectures are currently worldwide investigated to enhance performance while reducing weights, volumes and costs. A 3-flap wing, for instance, shall pay a penalty up to 100% due to the insertion of mechanical devices in its body. Moreover, the insertion of cover nacelles disturbs the wing aerodynamics itself. In addition, flapped wings are noisy: deformable, instead of slotted and flapped wings, may lead to significant enhancement also in this field. Within Joint European Initiative on Green Regional Aircraft frame, in cooperation with the University of Naples, Department of Aerospace Engineering, the authors with their colleagues came to the definition of dedicated morphing architectures. This paper focuses on the design and optimization of a morphing architecture based on Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology, aimed at increasing airfoil trailing edge curvature. The deformable rib system is constituted of four elastic elements. The aerodynamic loads were computed through a classical panel method for the most severe flight condition. The descriptive finite element model underwent an optimization process performed through a proprietary code, based on a genetic selection strategy. Resulting values, from the optimization study were different for the variables referring to each subsystem: plate thickness, depth and length, relative orientation, SMA ribbons thickness, depth and location. Trailing edge vertical displacement was assumed as target. The main features of the 4 elastic elements are presented in the body of the document. As expected, the more rearward is the element position, the less is the weight and size; decreasing values of the aerodynamic load led towards lighter solutions.
United States Registered Nurse Workforce Report Card and Shortage Forecast
Authors: Juraschek Stephen P. , Zhang Xiaoming , Ranganathan Vinoth , Lin Vernon W.
Published: November 2011

Registered nurses (RNs) play a critical role in health care delivery. With an aging US population, health care demand is growing at an unprecedented pace. Using projected changes in population size and age, the authors developed demand and supply models to forecast the RN job shortage in each of the 50 states. Letter grades were assigned based on projected RN job shortage ratios. The number of states receiving a grade of “D” or “F” for their RN shortage ratio will increase from 5 in 2009 to 30 by 2030, for a total national deficit of 918 232 (725 619 - 1 112 112) RN jobs. There will be significant RN workforce shortages throughout the country in 2030; the western region will have the largest shortage ratio of 389 RN jobs per 100 000. Increased efforts to understand shortage dynamics are warranted.
The Clinical Intuition Exploration Guide
Authors: Jeffrey Aaron
Published: November 2011

Clinical intuition is a common experience among counselors, yet many do not know what to do with intuition when it occurs. This article reviews the role intuition plays in clinical work and presents the research-based Clinical Intuition Exploration Guide to help counselors navigate the decision-making process. The guide consists of self-reflection questions to assist counselors in developing self-awareness, interpreting intuition, making ethical decisions, and evaluating the process of intuition. A case illustration demonstrates how counselors can employ the Clinical Intuition Exploration Guide. Implications for clinical work and supervision are discussed.
A new approach for loads moving on infinite beams resting on elastic foundation
Authors: Raftoyiannis Ioannis G , Avraam Tassos P , Michaltsos George T
Published: November 2011

The present work deals with the problem of the dynamic behavior of infinite beams resting on a Winkler-type elastic foundation under moving loads. The beam is subjected to a moving point load traveling with constant speed. Determining the effective length of the beam for a non-moving (static) load, and using the so-called quasi-stationary state of the beam, a solution is proposed with the aid of modal analysis and useful conclusions are obtained. Moving loads have a significant influence on the dynamic behavior of elastic or inelastic solid elements of an entire structure or parts of the structure, while they may produce strong vibrations on such systems, especially when high speeds are reached. The expressions obtained in this work allow the use of the same formulae for any values of speed or damping parameters. The analytical results obtained by the relations presented herein are compared to the ones given by Frýba in the relative chapter of his classic work. Finally, the possible speeds of moving loads that can be reached in the case of such types of beams are estimated and the application field of the gathered relations is determined.
Understanding the “Concept of Noise” in Mental Health Care Encounters With Patients From Different Cultures
Authors: Rowe Jimmy , Cadzow Renee B. , McIntyre Roger , Paterson Jeff , Kellam Charles
Published: November 2011

Intercultural provider/patient clinical encounters are often fraught with miscommunication due to many sources of communication noise, resulting in unsatisfactory interactions for both parties and, more importantly, inadequate health care received by the patient. Communication noise refers to influences on effective communication that influence the interpretation of conversations. While often overlooked, communication noise can have a profound impact both on our perception of interactions with others and our analysis of our communication proficiency. Health care would be much improved for people from different cultural backgrounds in the United States if providers and patients were aware of and proactive in addressing the sources of noise that obscure the intended messages transferred from one to the other related to health and appropriate treatment steps. This article will apply a classic communication model, identify key sources of communication noise in intercultural communication and then explore two mental health clinical encounters in which noise nearly resulted in inappropriate treatment of an illness. Through identifying and addressing these sources of noise in the clinical encounter, mental health care providers can develop strategies to improve their communication with patients from different cultures.
Portion Size
Authors: Alpert Patricia T.
Published: November 2011

Over the past two decades food portion sizes have increased and parallels the increase in waist size of Americans. Because there is confusion of what a portion size is in relation to serving size, it is easy to understand why people consume larger size meals without knowing it. Multiple studies demonstrate individuals instinctively eat what is placed in front of them, even if portion sizes are larger than a normal serving. These study findings may be a contributory factor for the current obesity epidemic. One strategy to combat the battle of the bulge is to implement portion control.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Reimherr Frederick W. , Marchant Barrie K. , Olsen John L. , Wender Paul H. , Robison Reid J.
Published: November 2011

Objective: Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is the most common comorbid condition in childhood ADHD. This trial was prospectively designed to explore ODD symptoms in ADHD adults. Method: A total of 86 patients in this placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS) were categorized based on the presence of ODD symptoms in childhood and adulthood, and then were compared for baseline and outcome differences. Results: In all, 42% met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) criteria for ODD as adults and were significantly more impaired on measures of ADHD, personality disorder, and substance abuse and 27% had childhood ODD that had resolved. Childhood and adult ODD symptoms were significantly correlated. ODD and ADHD symptoms improved significantly with MTS ( p < .001), and the most consistently significant results were found in participants with adult ODD. Conclusion: A total of 69% met criteria for ODD as children and/or adults. Understanding how ODD interacts with ADHD to impact personality disorder, substance abuse, and treatment response has important clinical, social, and theoretical implications.
Conceptual Structure of the Symptoms of Adult ADHD According to the DSM-IV and Retrospective Wender-Utah Criteria
Authors: Glöckner-Rist Angelika , Pedersen Anya , Rist Fred
Published: November 2011

Objective: Adult Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) and retrospective childhood Wender-Utah ADHD criteria are implemented in self-report measures to assess adult ADHD and its required onset in childhood. Yet their dimensional structure and relationship to adult ADHD depressivity is still at debate. Therefore, both aspects were investigated, applying two respective German instruments (ADHD–Self-Report [ADHD-SR] and Wender Utah Rating Scale–German [WURS-G]) to two student samples. Method: ADHD-SR and WURS-G dimensions were identified by nonlinear confirmatory factor analyses, and their interrelations and relationship with adult depressivity were identified by structural equation modeling. Results: Adult ADHD-SR symptoms were organized into inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and WURS-G symptoms were organized into inattention/hyperactivity, affect lability, depressivity, and conduct problems. Yet only the first two WURS factors directly affected adult ADHD facets, though childhood depressivity influenced them indirectly via adult depressivity. Conclusion: Only criteria of the first two WURS factors can be considered valid childhood ADHD indicators. Thus, only they should be used as an aid in the retrospective assessment of ADHD symptoms.
Are Some Individuals Diagnosed With ADHD Prone to Alcohol Abuse?
Authors: Maxwell Allison
Published: November 2011

Some studies conducted on ADHD have found a statistically significant relationship between those diagnosed with the disorder and a higher susceptibility to abuse alcohol. However, other studies have found no such correlation, or have found this to be true of only a nonstatistically significant subset of the population of individuals with ADHD. This research found an answer to what may be causing these discrepancies in findings. Various studies on ADHD have discovered both biological and cognitive differences in some individuals with ADHD that may be responsible for this predisposition toward alcohol abuse found in a subset of the ADHD population. It is proposed that those individuals diagnosed with ADHD who also have a mutation in the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) and who possess a deficiency in functionality of the prefrontal area of the brain designed for planning and reasoning may be more likely to develop alcohol abuse.
Tourists’ Perceived Risks Toward Overt Safety Measures
Authors: Rittichainuwat Bongkosh N.
Published: November 2011

This study aims to assess tourists’ perceptions toward overt safety measures. The study segments tourists into four different groups depending on their perceptions toward overt safety measures, type of accommodation, and purpose of visit. A total of 476 respondents were segmented into special occasion tourists, leisure mid-priced tourists, frequent business travelers, and backpackers. A two-step cluster analysis and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The results show that, all clusters, except the backpacker segment, feel quite safe toward overt safety measures. Whereas the special occasion tourists at luxury hotels felt the safest toward overt safety measures, they concurrently were the most likely discouraged with too-stringent overt safety measures. Although most tourists feel safe about overt safety measures, a stringent increase in safety measures could frighten them because such measures could create a false perception that something untoward has previously happened at the destination. Hence, the old claim that stringent safety measures frighten tourists remains a classic rule of thumb. Therefore, hoteliers must find an appropriate balance in the extent of overt safety measures so as not to exceed the acceptable safety threshold of tourists.
Sport Tourists’ Involvement with a Destination
Authors: Filo Kevin , Chen Nan , King Ceridwyn , Funk Daniel C.
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this research is to examine sport tourists’ involvement with a destination that hosts a sport event to enable understanding of how a tourist–destination relationship forms. To bolster this understanding, the psychological continuum model (PCM) is applied as a framework to assess sport tourists’ involvement with a destination across four progressive stages. A questionnaire was administered to sport tourists in an international marathon event in the United States (N = 1,029). To allocate these sport tourists into distinct stages that represent an increased psychological connection to the destination, a three-step staging tool using destination involvement (DI) was applied. The findings indicate the progressive development of DI among these sport tourists results in increasingly high place attachment and revisit intentions. The results provide support for DI as an indicator that allows destination marketers to understand sport tourists’ destination attitude as well as predict behavioral intention.
A Coauthorship Network Analysis of Tourism and Hospitality Research Collaboration
Authors: Ye Qiang , Li Tong , Law Rob
Published: November 2011

As an essential part of knowledge development, research collaboration inspires knowledge acquisition and dissemination. As such, it attracts an increasing amount of interest from academic researchers. This article applies social network analysis to the investigation of research collaborations among tourism and hospitality scholars. Using articles published in six leading tourism and hospitality journals from 1991 to 2010, the empirical findings provide an overview of research collaborations in this field in terms of coauthorship networks. This study identifies some critical scholars in tourism and hospitality research collaborations. Result of a linear regression shows that research collaborations are significantly associated with researchers’ research outputs. This article also proposes a new method to evaluate researchers’ collaboration strategies on extroversive collaboration and introversive collaboration.
Effect of atmospheres on tribological property of plasma-sprayed NiCr–Ag composite coating
Authors: Chen Jie , Hou Guo Liang , Liu Guang , An Yu Long , Zhou Hui Di , Chen Jian Min
Published: November 2011

NiCr–Ag composite solid lubricant coating was deposited on stainless steel by atmospheric plasma spray. The microhardness, phase composition and microstructure of as-sprayed coating were characterized. Meanwhile, the friction and wear behaviour of as-sprayed coating sliding against ceramic (Si3N4) ball in air, argon and oxygen were evaluated using a ball-on-disc friction and wear test rig. It was found that when sliding against Si3N4 in oxygen, the composite coating underwent severe oxidative wear and splat delamination, showing the highest friction coefficient and wear rate. When sliding against Si3N4 in argon, the composite coating had the lowest friction coefficient and wear rate; and in this case, no crack and splat delamination could be observed on the worn surface because of the elimination of oxidation of the coating and enrichment of solid lubricant silver on sliding surface in inert atmosphere. In addition, the friction coefficients of the as-sprayed coating in all three atmospheres decreased with the increase of sliding speed or load.
Posttraumatic growth in long term breast cancer survivors: relation to coping, social support and cognitive processing
Authors: Lelorain Sophie , Tessier Philippe , Florin Agnès , Bonnaud-Antignac Angélique
Published: November 2011

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) has rarely been studied in long term breast cancer survivors using open interviews. In order to address the issue of how women integrate PTG in their overall cancer experience, 28 open interviews concerning changes after cancer were carried out with 5- to 15-year survivors. The analysis of results, performed using Alceste software, revealed one thematic class of PTG which was specific to women with high coping and social support and active cognitive processing. PTG theme appeared most often as a conclusion of interviews rather than in response to the question about changes after cancer.
Determination and Evaluation of Radiological Risk due to Indoor Radon Concentration Levels in Offices at a University Faculty in Ibadan Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ojo O. F. , Farai I. P. , Jibiri N. N.
Published: November 2011

Exposure to Radon (222Rn) especially indoors has been identified as an important factor that could result in a health hazard, especially increase in risk of lung cancer. Assessment of the risk can only be done with accurate information on the radon level to which the people are exposed. This work was designed to measure indoor radon level in some offices in the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, using electret passive environmental radon monitor (E-PERM). Measurements were made at 54 locations in five departments of the faculty. Indoor radon concentrations in these Departments were found to vary from 39.70 to 126.77 Bq·m−3 with an average mean of 65 ± 20 Bq·m−3. The results obtained showed variation with ventilation and type of building materials. The average indoor radon concentration obtained was below the indoor radon concentration action level (148 Bq·m−3) recommended by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hence no remedial action is required. The work however established the applicability of the technique for a much wider scope of indoor radon survey in the country.
Assessment of Radiological Levels at Schools in Trabzon, Turkey
Authors: Çevik Uğur , Çelik Ahmet , Çelik Necati , Özkalayci Fatih , Akbulut Songül
Published: November 2011

In this study, a survey on environmental radioactivity in 16 high schools located in north eastern region of Turkey (the black sea region, province of Trabzon) was carried out. Indoor air radon (222Rn) concentrations were measured in spring and autumn 2008 seasons using LR115 solid state nuclear track detectors and gamma radioactivity levels were measured using an HPGe gamma ray detector. It was seen that mean radon activity concentrations in schools ranged from 31 to 157 Bq/m3 for spring season and from 38 to 114 Bq/m3 for autumn season. The mean gamma activity concentrations in located areas of schools are between 18–52, 21–59, 11–97 and 265–759 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 232Th, 137Cs and 40K, respectively. The annual effective doses of students and staff received due to radon and locations’ gamma radioactivity levels are calculated.
Photovoice in the Red River Basin of the North
Authors: Stedman-Smith Maggie , McGovern Patricia M. , Peden-McAlpine Cynthia J. , Kingery Linda R. , Draeger Kathryn J.
Published: November 2011

A community–academic partnership was formed in Minnesota’s Red River Basin for a 1-year planning grant preceding a larger intervention to reduce pesticide exposure among children. Photovoice, developed by Dr. Caroline Wang, was used by mothers to document pathways to pesticide exposure for their children along with other health and safety concerns. An evaluation of the partnership was conducted for mothers, and for the research team of local stakeholders and academics. Surveys consisting of structured and open-ended questions elicited information on the perception of the process and short-term outcomes. Questions were created based on objectives of the Photovoice project, satisfaction, and principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR). A high percentage of study participants and researchers indicated that the objectives of the effort had been met, the principles of CBPR had been realized and they were satisfied with the benefits of participation. A need for more thorough planning was identified related to long-term dissemination of knowledge generated. The evaluation provides insight on the strengths and weaknesses of the project, demonstrates to team members and funders that formative and summative outcomes were met, and serves as a model for community–academic partnerships utilizing Photovoice as one CBPR method.
Community Perspectives on Barriers and Strategies for Promoting Locally Grown Produce From an Urban Agriculture Farm
Authors: Hu Alice , Acosta Angela , McDaniel Abigail , Gittelsohn Joel
Published: November 2011

Although much is understood about barriers to healthy food consumption in low-income, urban communities, knowledge regarding the crucial next step of building feasible, community-supported approaches to address those barriers remains limited. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews ( n = 20), focus groups ( n = 2), and participant observations ( n = 3) to identify strategies to promote locally grown produce from an urban food security project, Produce From the Park (PFP), an urban farm. Informants included community organization representatives and residents from low-income neighborhoods in a mid-Atlantic city. Informants identified structural and cultural barriers to purchasing healthy food, including price, location, food culture, and lack of interest. Participants proposed a number of strategies, such as distribution through mobile food carts and farm stands, marketing new foods through taste tests and cooking demonstrations, and youth mentorship. Informants also described their perceptions of the local urban farm and suggested ways to increase community buy-in. Strategies mentioned were inexpensive and incorporated cultural norms and local assets. These community perspectives can provide insights for those promoting healthy eating in urban African American communities through urban food security projects.
Problem Posing and Cultural Tailoring
Authors: Rikard R. V. , Thompson Maxine S. , Head Rachel , McNeil Carlotta , White Caressa
Published: November 2011

The rate of HIV infection among African Americans is disproportionately higher than for other racial groups in the United States. Previous research suggests that low level of health literacy (HL) is an underlying factor to explain racial disparities in the prevalence and incidence of HIV/AIDS. The present research describes a community and university project to develop a culturally tailored HIV/AIDS HL toolkit in the African American community. Paulo Freire’s pedagogical philosophy and problem-posing methodology served as the guiding framework throughout the development process. Developing the HIV/AIDS HL toolkit occurred in a two-stage process. In Stage 1, a nonprofit organization and research team established a collaborative partnership to develop a culturally tailored HIV/AIDS HL toolkit. In Stage 2, African American community members participated in focus groups conducted as Freirian cultural circles to further refine the HIV/AIDS HL toolkit. In both stages, problem posing engaged participants’ knowledge, experiences, and concerns to evaluate a working draft toolkit. The discussion and implications highlight how Freire’s pedagogical philosophy and methodology enhances the development of culturally tailored health information.
Leader–Member Exchange Quality and In-Role Job Performance
Authors: Joo Baek-Kyoo (Brian)
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of leader–member exchange (LMX) quality on in-role job performance and the moderating effect of learning organization culture in a Korean conglomerate. The results indicate that LMX quality had a significant impact on employees’ job performance as rated by their supervisors. In addition, although no direct relationship was found to be significant, the moderating effects of the two dimensions of learning organization culture on the relationship between LMX quality and in-role job performance were significant. With regards to the demographic variables, male employees received higher ratings on their job performance reviews as assessed by their supervisors. Finally, implications, limitations, and research recommendations are discussed.
The Relation Between Self-Leadership and Transformational Leadership
Authors: Andressen Panja , Konradt Udo , Neck Christopher P.
Published: November 2011

This study aims to integrate self-leadership into a more comprehensive leadership model. Therefore, it examines the relationship between self-leadership, transformational leadership, and work motivation (i.e., self-efficacy and instrumentality) relative to job performance and affective commitment. In addition, the influence of the work environment is of interest for a more comprehensive leadership model. Thus, the moderating role of virtuality was examined. Three competing models of self-leadership, which are theoretically plausible, are compared in this study: self-leadership acting (a) as a process factor mediating the relation between transformational leadership and employee motivation; (b) as an input factor, simultaneously with transformational leadership; and (c) as a process factor mediating the relation between work motivation and job performance/affective commitment. Results from structural equation modeling indicate that self-leadership is a process factor that mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and employee motivation. Results further suggest that self-leadership has a higher influence on motivation in virtual work structures compared with colocated work structures. Limitations, implications for management, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Fuzzy Attribution Styles
Authors: Martinez Arthur D. , Martinko Mark J. , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: November 2011

This study introduced, and provided the first evidence for, the notion that people possess more or less fuzzy attribution styles and that the degree of fuzziness affects important work variables (e.g., occupational self-efficacy and political skill). Field theory was used to explain how fuzzy attribution styles might arise. Contributions of this study, its practical implications, directions for future research, and strengths and limitations were discussed.
Developing Auditory Measures of General Speediness
Authors: Zajac Ian T. , Burns Nicholas R. , Danthiir Vanessa
Published: November 2011

This study examined whether the broad ability general speediness (Gs) could be measured via the auditory modality. Existing and purpose-developed auditory tasks that maintained the cognitive requirements of established visually presented Gs markers were completed by 96 university undergraduates. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that the auditory tasks combined with established visual measures to define latent Gs and reaction time factors. These findings provide preliminary evidence that suggests that if auditory tasks are developed that maintain the same cognitive requirements as existing visual measures, then they are likely to index similar cognitive processes.
Bmi1 reprograms CML B-lymphoid progenitors to become B-ALL–initiating cells
Authors: Sengupta Amitava , Ficker Ashley M. , Dunn Susan K. , Madhu Malav , Cancelas Jose A.
Published: November 2011

The characterization and targeting of Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)–initiating cells remains unresolved. Expression of the polycomb protein Bmi1 is up-regulated in patients with advanced stages of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). We report that Bmi1 transforms and reprograms CML B-lymphoid progenitors into stem cell leukemia (Scl) promoter-driven, self-renewing, leukemia-initiating cells to result in B-lymphoid leukemia (B-ALL) in vivo. In vitro, highly proliferating and serially replatable myeloid and lymphoid colony-forming cultures could be established from BCR-ABL and Bmi1 coexpressing progenitors. However, unlike in vivo expanded CML B-lymphoid progenitors, hematopoietic stem cells, or multipotent progenitors, coexpressing BCR-ABL and Bmi1 did not initiate or propagate leukemia in a limiting dilution assay. Inducible genetic attenuation of BCR-ABL reversed Bmi1-driven B-ALL development, which was accompanied by induction of apoptosis of leukemic B-lymphoid progenitors and by long-term animal survival, suggesting that BCR-ABL is required to maintain B-ALL and that BCR-ABL and Bmi1 cooperate toward blast transformation in vivo. Our data indicate that BCR-ABL targeting itself is required to eradicate Ph+/Bmi1+ B-ALL–initiating cells and confirm their addiction to BCR-ABL signaling.
The principal results of the International Immune Tolerance Study: a randomized dose comparison
Authors: Hay Charles R. M. , DiMichele Donna M.
Published: November 2011

The International Immune Tolerance Study was a multicenter, prospective, randomized comparison of high-dose (HD; 200 IU/kg/d) and low-dose (LD; 50 IU/kg 3 times/week) factor VIII regimens in 115 “good-risk,” severe high-titer inhibitor hemophilia A subjects. Sixty-six of 115 subjects reached the defined study end points: success, n = 46 (69.7%); partial response, n = 3 (4.5%); and failure, n = 17 (25.8%). Successes did not differ between treatment arms (24 of 58 LD vs 22/57 HD, P = .909). The times taken to achieve a negative titer (P = .027), a normal recovery (P = .002), and tolerance (P = .116, nonsignificant) were shorter with the HD immune tolerance induction (ITI). Peak historical (P = .026) and on-ITI (P = .002) titers were correlated inversely with success, but only peak titer on ITI predicted outcome in a multivariate analysis (P = .002). LD subjects bled more often (odds ratio, 2.2; P = .0019). The early bleed rate/month was 0.62 (LD) and 0.28 (HD; P = .000 24), decreasing by 90% once negative titers were achieved. Bleeding was absent in 8 of 58 LD versus 21 of 57 HD subjects (P = .0085). One hundred twenty-four central catheter infections were reported in 41 subjects (19 LD); infection frequency did not differ between the treatment arms. Neither bleeding nor infection influenced outcome. Although it was stopped early for futility and safety considerations, this trial contributed valuable data toward evidence-based ITI practice.
SOX4 interacts with plakoglobin in a Wnt3a-dependent manner in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Lai Yu-Heng , Cheng Jessica , Cheng Dongmei , Feasel Mattie E , Beste Kyle D , Peng Junmin , Nusrat Asma , Moreno Carlos S
Published: November 2011

Background

SOX4 is a developmental transcription factor that is required for differentiation and proliferation in multiple tissues. SOX4 is overexpressed in many human malignancies, but the precise role of SOX4 in cancer progression is still not well understood. Thus, the identification of additional SOX4 binding partners is essential for elucidating the mechanism of SOX4-mediated effects in cancer progression.

Results

Here, we have adapted a one-step affinity purification method that enables rapid purification of SOX4 complexes via intracellular biotinylation of the amino-terminus of SOX4 to perform large-scale proteomics analysis. We have discovered that junction plakoglobin (JUP) interacts with SOX4 in both the cytosol and the nucleus and the interaction between SOX4 and plakoglobin is significantly increased when prostate and breast cancer cells are stimulated with WNT3A. Interactions between SOX4 and plakoglobin were further enhanced by the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B (LMB), suggesting that plakoglobin promotes nuclear export of SOX4. The SOX4-plakoglobin complex affected the expression of Wnt pathway target genes and SOX4 downstream targets, such asAXIN2,DICER1, andDHX9. In addition, SOX4 DNA binding activity to the promoters ofDICER1,AXIN2,DHX9andSOX4itself was reduced by conditions that promote SOX4-plakoglobin complex formation. Conditions that enhanced SOX4-plakoglobin interactions resulted in reduced transcriptional activity of β-catenin luciferase reporters.

Conclusions

These data suggest that this newly identified interaction between SOX4 and plakoglobin is inhibitory and provides new insights into the role of SOX4 in key pathways in cell proliferation, development, and cancer progression.
TNFRSF1B +676 T>G polymorphism predicts survival of non-Small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Guan Xiaoxiang , Liao Zhongxin , Ma Hongxia , Qian Ji , Liu Zhensheng , Yuan Xianglin , Gomez Daniel , Komaki Ritsuko , Wang Li-E , Wei Qingyi
Published: November 2011

Background

The dysregulation of gene expression in the TNF-TNFR superfamily has been involved in various human cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Furthermore, functional polymorphisms in TNF-α and TNFRSF1B genes that alter gene expression are likely to be associated with risk and clinical outcomes of cancers. However, few reported studies have investigated the association between potentially functional SNPs in both TNF-α and TNFRSF1B and prognosis of NSCLC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

We genotyped five potentially functional polymorphisms of TNF-α and TNFRSF1B genes [TNF-α -308 G>A (rs1800629) and -1031 T>C (rs1799964); TNFRSF1B +676 T>G (rs1061622), -1709A>T(rs652625) and +1663A>G (rs1061624)] in 225 NSCLC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate associations between these variants and NSCLC overall survival (OS).

Results

We found that the TNFRSF1B +676 GG genotype was associated with a significantly better OS of NSCLC (GG vs. TT: adjusted HR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.15-0.94; GG vs. GT/TT: adjusted HR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.14-0.88). Further stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the TNFRSF1B +676 GG was an independent prognosis predictor in this NSCLC cohort (GG vs. GT/TT: HR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.14-0.85), in the presence of node status (N2-3
vs. N0-1: HR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.09-2.35) and tumor stage (T3-4
vs. T0-2: HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.08-2.03).

Conclusions

Although the exact biological function for this SNP remains to be explored, our findings suggest a possible role of TNFRSF1B +676 T>G (rs1061622) in the prognosis of NSCLC. Further large and functional studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Comparative void-volume analysis of psychrophilic and mesophilic enzymes: Structural bioinformatics of psychrophilic enzymes reveals sources of core flexibility
Authors: Paredes Diana I , Watters Kyle , Pitman Derek J , Bystroff Christopher , Dordick Jonathan S
Published: November 2011

Background

Psychrophiles, cold-adapted organisms, have adapted to live at low temperatures by using a variety of mechanisms. Their enzymes are active at cold temperatures by being structurally more flexible than mesophilic enzymes. Even though, there are some indications of the possible structural mechanisms by which psychrophilic enzymes are catalytic active at cold temperatures, there is not a generalized structural property common to all psychrophilic enzymes.

Results

We examine twenty homologous enzyme pairs from psychrophiles and mesophiles to investigate flexibility as a key characteristic for cold adaptation. B-factors in protein X-ray structures are one way to measure flexibility. Comparing psychrophilic to mesophilic protein B-factors reveals that psychrophilic enzymes are more flexible in 5-turn and strand secondary structures. Enzyme cavities, identified using CASTp at various probe sizes, indicate that psychrophilic enzymes have larger average cavity sizes at probe radii of 1.4-1.5 Å, sufficient for water molecules. Furthermore, amino acid side chains lining these cavities show an increased frequency of acidic groups in psychrophilic enzymes.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that embedded water molecules may play a significant role in cavity flexibility, and therefore, overall protein flexibility. Thus, our results point to the important role enzyme flexibility plays in adaptation to cold environments.
Impact of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system on the outcome of critically ill adult patients: a before-after study
Authors: Al-Dorzi Hasan M , Tamim Hani M , Cherfan Antoine , Hassan Mohamad A , Taher Saadi , Arabi Yaseen M
Published: November 2011

Background

Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems are recommended to improve patient safety and outcomes. However, their effectiveness has been questioned. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of CPOE implementation on the outcome of critically ill patients.

Methods

This was an observational before-after study carried out in a 21-bed medical and surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care center. It included all patients admitted to the ICU in the 24 months pre- and 12 months post-CPOE (Misys®) implementation. Data were extracted from a prospectively collected ICU database and included: demographics, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, admission diagnosis and comorbid conditions. Outcomes compared in different pre- and post-CPOE periods included: ICU and hospital mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU and hospital length of stay. These outcomes were also compared in selected high risk subgroups of patients (age 12-17 years, traumatic brain injury, admission diagnosis of sepsis and admission APACHE II > 23). Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for imbalances in baseline characteristics and selected clinically relevant variables.

Results

There were 1638 and 898 patients admitted to the ICU in the specified pre- and post-CPOE periods, respectively (age = 52 ± 22 vs. 52 ± 21 years, p = 0.74; APACHE II = 24 ± 9 vs. 24 ± 10, p = 0.83). During these periods, there were no differences in ICU (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7-1.3) and in hospital mortality (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.8-1.3). CPOE implementation was associated with similar duration of mechanical ventilation and of stay in the ICU and hospital. There was no increased mortality or stay in the high risk subgroups after CPOE implementation.

Conclusions

The implementation of CPOE in an adult medical surgical ICU resulted in no improvement in patient outcomes in the immediate phase and up to 12 months after implementation.
Primary hepatic carcinoid tumor
Authors: Gao Jinbo , Hu Zhijian , Wu Junwei , Bai Lishan , Chai Xinqun
Published: November 2011

Primary hepatic carcinoid tumor is rare and poses a challenge for diagnosis and management. We presented a case of primary hepatic carcinoid tumor in a 53-year-old female with a complaint of right upper abdominal pain. Computer tomography scans revealed a hypervascular mass in segment 4 of the liver. An ultrasonography-guided biopsy showed a carcinoid tumor. No other lesions were found by the radiological investigations. Surgery resection was performed and histopathological examination revealed a primary hepatic carcinoid tumor. Three years later, recurrence was found and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was performed. After transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, the patient has been free of symptom and had no radiological disease progression for over 6 months. Surgical resection combination with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is effective to offer excellent palliation.
FITC and Ru(phen)3
2+ co-doped silica particles as visualized ratiometric pH indicator
Authors: Xu Jianquan , Sun Lei , Li Jun , Liang Jinglun , Zhang Huimao , Yang Wensheng
Published: November 2011

The performance of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and tris(1, 10-phenanathroline) ruthenium ion (Ru(phen)3
2+) co-doped silica particles as pH indicator was evaluated. The emission intensity ratios of the pH sensitive dye (FITC) and the reference dye (Ru(phen)3
2+) in the particles were dependent on pH of the environment. The changes in emission intensity ratios of the two dyes under different pH could be measured under single excitation wavelength and readily visualized by naked eye under a 365-nm UV lamp. In particular, such FITC and Ru(phen)3
2+ co-doped silica particles were identified to show high sensitivity to pH around the pKa of FITC (6.4), making them be potential useful as visualized pH indicator for detection of intracellular pH micro-circumstance.
Salmonella Typhimurium-specific bacteriophage ΦSH19 and the origins of species specificity in the Vi01-like phage family
Authors: Hooton Steven PT , Timms Andrew R , Rowsell Joanna , Wilson Ray , Connerton Ian F
Published: November 2011

Background

Whole genome sequencing of bacteriophages suitable for biocontrol of pathogens in food products is a pre-requisite to any phage-based intervention procedure. Trials involving the biosanitization of Salmonella Typhimurium in the pig production environment identified one such candidate, ΦSH19.

Results

This phage was sequenced and analysis of its 157,785 bp circular dsDNA genome revealed a number of interesting features. ΦSH19 constitutes another member of the recently-proposed Myoviridae Vi01-like family of phages, containing S. Typhi-specific Vi01 and Shigella-specific SboM-AG3. At the nucleotide level ΦSH19 is highly similar to phage Vi01 (80-98% pairwise identity over the length of the genome), with the major differences lying in the region associated with host-range determination. Analyses of the proteins encoded within this region by ΦSH19 revealed a cluster of three putative tail spikes. Of the three tail spikes, two have protein domains associated with the pectate lyase family of proteins (Tsp2) and P22 tail spike family (Tsp3) with the prospect that these enable Salmonella O antigen degradation. Tail spike proteins of Vi01 and SboM-AG3 are predicted to contain conserved right-handed parallel β-helical structures but the internal protein domains are varied allowing different host specificities.

Conclusions

The addition or exchange of tail spike protein modules is a major contributor to host range determination in the Vi01-like phage family.
Pretreatment of microcrystalline cellulose in organic electrolyte solutions for enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Tian Xiao-fei , Fang Zhen , Jiang Dan , Sun Xi-yan
Published: November 2011

Background

Previous studies have shown that the crystalline structure of cellulose is negatively correlated with enzymatic digestibility, therefore, pretreatment is required to break down the highly ordered crystalline structure in cellulose, and to increase the porosity of its surface. In the present study, an organic electrolyte solution (OES) composed of an ionic liquid (1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([AMIM]Cl)) and an organic solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide; DMSO) was prepared, and used to pretreat microcrystalline cellulose for subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis; to our knowledge, this is the first time that this method has been used.

Results

Microcrystalline cellulose (5 wt%) rapidly dispersed and then completely dissolved in an OES with a molar fraction of [AMIM]Cl per OES (χ [AMIM]Cl) of greater than or equal to 0.2 at 110°C within 10 minutes. The cellulose was regenerated from the OES by precipitation with hot water, and enzymatically hydrolyzed. As the χ [AMIM]Cl of the OES increased from 0.1 to 0.9, both the hydrolysis yield and initial hydrolysis rate of the regenerated cellulose also increased gradually. After treatment using OES with χ [AMIM]Cl of 0.7, the glucose yield (54.1%) was 7.2 times that of untreated cellulose. This promotion of hydrolysis yield was mainly due to the decrease in the degree of crystallinity (that is, the crystallinity index of cellulose I).

Conclusions

An OES of [AMIM]Cl and DMSO with χ [AMIM]Cl of 0.7 was chosen for cellulose pretreatment because it dissolved cellulose rapidly to achieve a high glucose yield (54.1%), which was only slightly lower than the value (59.6%) obtained using pure [AMIM]Cl. OES pretreatment is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly technique for hydrolysis, because it 1) uses the less expensive OES instead of pure ionic liquids, 2) shortens dissolution time, 3) requires lower energy for stirring and transporting, and 4) is recyclable.
NEK7 is essential for centriole duplication and centrosomal accumulation of pericentriolar material proteins in interphase cells
Authors: Kim Sunghwan , Kim Sungjae , Rhee Kunsoo
Published: November 2011

The centrosomes in dividing cells follow a series of cyclical events of duplication and separation, which are tightly linked to the cell cycle. Serine/threonine-protein kinase NEK7 (NEK7) is a centrosomal kinase that is required for proper spindle formation during mitosis. In this study, we observed that centriole duplication was inhibited in NEK7-depleted cells. Ectopic expression of centrosome-directed NEK7 led to the formation of extra centrioles in a kinase-activity-dependent manner. We also observed extra centriole formation in centrosome-directed NEK6-expressing cells, suggesting that NEK6 and NEK7 might share biological activities that induce centriole duplication. The centrosomal pericentriolar material (PCM) proteins were significantly reduced in NEK7-depleted cells. The PCM proteins in NEK7-depleted cells did not accumulate at the centrosomes, even if the cells exited mitosis and progressed to the G2 phase. These results revealed that NEK7 is essential for PCM accumulation in a cell cycle stage-specific manner. Furthermore, HeLa cells depleted of NEK7 during S phase retained a higher quantity of PCM proteins and exhibited a less severe mitotic phenotype. On the basis of these results, we propose that NEK7 is involved in the recruitment of PCM proteins, which are necessary for both centriole duplication and spindle pole formation. Our study revealed that NEK7 activity is required for centrosome cycle progression not only at M phase, but also at G1 phase.
MLCK regulates Schwann cell cytoskeletal organization, differentiation and myelination
Authors: Leitman Ellen M. , Tewari Ambika , Horn Meryl , Urbanski Mateusz , Damanakis Evangelos , Einheber Steven , Salzer James L. , de Lanerolle Primal , Melendez-Vasquez Carmen V.
Published: November 2011

Signaling through cyclic AMP (cAMP) has been implicated in the regulation of Schwann cell (SC) proliferation and differentiation. In quiescent SCs, elevation of cAMP promotes the expression of proteins associated with myelination such as Krox-20 and P0, and downregulation of markers associated with the non-myelinating SC phenotype. We have previously shown that the motor protein myosin II is required for the establishment of normal SC–axon interactions, differentiation and myelination, however, the mechanisms behind these effects are unknown. Here we report that the levels and activity of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), an enzyme that regulates MLC phosphorylation in non-muscle cells, are dramatically downregulated in SCs after cAMP treatment, in a similar pattern to that of c-Jun, a known inhibitor of myelination. Knockdown of MLCK in SCs mimics the effect of cAMP elevation, inducing plasma membrane expansion and expression of Krox-20 and myelin proteins. Despite activation of myelin gene transcription these cells fail to make compact myelin when placed in contact with axons. Our data indicate that myosin II activity is differentially regulated at various stages during myelination and that in the absence of MLCK the processes of SC differentiation and compact myelin assembly are uncoupled.