bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are All Perpetrators Alike? Comparing Risk Factors for Sexual Coercion and Aggression
Authors: DeGue Sarah , DiLillo David , Scalora Mario
Published: August 2010

The present study developed and contrasted predictive models of male nonphysical sexual coercion (e.g., verbal pressure or manipulation) and physical sexual aggression (e.g., incapacitation, physical force, or threats) using a sample of 369 incarcerated males to identify shared and unique risk factors for each form of sexual perpetration. Results revealed a set of shared risk characteristics that predisposed individuals to both sexual coercion and aggression (i.e., belief in rape myths, sexual promiscuity, aggressive tendencies, and empathic deficits). In addition, findings indicated that whether the offenders engaged in only sexual coercion or also used more violent sexually aggressive tactics depended on the presence of two sets of traits unique to these forms of perpetration. Specifically, sexual coercers tended to possess traits that facilitated the use of verbal tactics (i.e., ability to manipulate others and to imagine others’ emotional reactions). In contrast, sexual aggressors had characteristics that could increase their willingness to “cross the line” and resort to more violent means to obtain sex from an unwilling partner (i.e., hostility toward women, egocentricity, an impulsive disregard for sociolegal proscriptions, and childhood emotional abuse). A model of general sexual perpetration that directly contrasted sexually coercive and aggressive men was also developed, and hostility toward women was identified as the only predictor capable of predicting perpetrator group membership. Together, these findings suggest that although sexual coercers and aggressors share some underlying risk factors, the etiological patterns of these behaviors are distinct and necessitate individual attention by researchers and prevention programs.
Brightness matching with visual fields of different types
Authors: Fotios SA , Cheal C.
Published: August 2010

Previous studies of spatial brightness have been carried out using a variety of visual fields, these ranging from a flat, uniform, neutral surface to interior spaces containing coloured surfaces and objects. It may be expected that this would affect judgements of spatial brightness under lamps of different spectral power distribution. This article presents the results of side-by-side brightness matching tests carried out using four different visual fields. It is concluded from interpretation of these data and results from previous studies that the presence of coloured objects or surfaces in the target field does not significantly affect the outcome of brightness matching trials.
Individual factors influencing the assessment of the outdoor lighting of an urban footpath
Authors: Johansson M. , Rosén M. , Küller R.
Published: August 2010

During the hours of darkness, the mobility of young women, the elderly and the disabled is limited in urban areas. In a field study possible predictors of the perceived visual accessibility and the perceived danger of an urban footpath were investigated. Eighty-one people individually walked along the footpath after dark. They subjectively assessed the environment and answered a questionnaire about personality and socio-demographics. Visual accessibility was predicted by visual field, environmental trust and brightness. Danger was predicted by the pleasantness of the lighting, gender, brightness and environmental trust. Consequently, the influence of individual characteristics, including the subjective judgments of brightness and hedonic tone and the personality dimension of trust in the physical environment, should be considered in the design of exterior lighting for urban footpaths.
Design recommendations based on cognitive, mood and preference assessments in a sunlit workspace
Authors: Wang N. , Boubekri M.
Published: August 2010

This paper reports a study that aimed to establish a method of improving daylighting design using a behavioural approach. It underscores why daylighting design guidelines need to change in order to reflect the idea that human activities are important design criteria alongside the physical parameters. Design recommendations for sunlit offices have been developed based on experiments that investigated room occupants’ emotional, attitudinal and cognitive responses to various sunlight conditions. The design guidelines developed in this study, for the first time, present a comprehensive evaluation of a sunlit office from an architectural point of view, one that is focused on the characteristics of a workspace — involving sunlight, window view, privacy and control — and room occupants’ behavioural responses to these environmental factors.
Prediction of fluorescent lamp lifetimes with accelerated testing
Authors: Rosillo FG , Martín N. , Egido MA
Published: August 2010

This paper proposes a method for predicting fluorescent lamp lifetimes based on a minimum number of accelerated life tests. This prediction allows the life of the lamp in continuous operation to be estimated without having to know the nominal lifetime. This paper evaluates the possibility of making this prediction based on two accelerated tests, and finds that this is not generally to be recommended. It also evaluates the advisability of making the prediction based on three accelerated tests and fitting the results by a non-analytical iterative method. We conclude that under certain conditions, this method makes reasonable life predictions for fluorescent lamps associated with specific ballasts.
Improving the quality of high dynamic range images
Authors: Cai H. , Chung TM
Published: August 2010

High dynamic range (HDR) photography is a useful luminance measurement tool but relies on the camera and lens used and photometric calibration for its accuracy, yet these aspects lack technical guidance. This study used a Canon 350D camera fitted with a Sigma 10—20 mm lens to record the luminance data of 54 grey and 18 colour targets plus a light source in a windowless classroom lit by fluorescent lighting. Six apertures (f/4—f/22), three focal lengths (10, 14, 20 mm), two ambient light levels and four ranges of exposure values were used for generating 128 HDR images in Photosphere. After vignetting correction and physical calibration, these HDR images were compared with each other for the quality of luminance acquisition. This study could benefit future HDR imaging by ensuring higher image quality.
Occupancy-based illumination control of LED lighting systems
Authors: Caicedo D. , Pandharipande A. , Leus G.
Published: August 2010

Light emitting diode (LED)-based systems are considered to be the future of lighting. We consider the problem of energy-efficient illumination control of such systems. Energy-efficient system design is based on two aspects: localised information on occupancy and optimisation of dimming levels of the LEDs. Specifically, we are interested in minimising the power consumption of an LED system, subject to providing uniform illumination at a pre-specified level around occupied zones, by determining the dimming levels of the LEDs. We show that this optimisation problem can be solved by linear programming and use the simplex algorithm to determine the dimming levels. The efficacy of our proposed system is evaluated in an office scenario by comparing it with a system that renders uniform illumination across the whole space.
Validating the application of occupancy sensor networks for lighting control
Authors: Tiller DK , Guo X. , Henze GP , Waters CE
Published: August 2010

A new occupancy detection sensor network was developed, commissioned and installed in two private offices: data were collected to evaluate the utility of the sensor network for lighting control. Results show that there is considerable uncertainty associated with the determination of occupancy using measurements from a single detector in a space. A sensor network reduces uncertainty, because data from other detectors provides converging information that can be used to determine if a space is occupied. Sophisticated analysis techniques can be applied to the sensor network data stream to provide improved occupancy measurement and lighting control, compared to current systems.
Prospective alpha allocation in the clarification of optimal anticoagulation through genetics (COAG) trial
Authors: Joo Jungnam , Geller Nancy L , French Benjamin , Kimmel Stephen E , Rosenberg Yves , Ellenberg Jonas H
Published: August 2010

Background The Clarification of Optimal Anticoagulation through Genetics (COAG) trial is a large, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized trial to determine whether use of a genotype-guided dosing algorithm (using clinical and genetic information) to initiate warfarin treatment will improve anticoagulation status when compared to a dosing algorithm using only clinical information.

Purpose This article describes prospective alpha allocation and balanced alpha allocation for the design of the COAG trial.

Methods The trial involves two possibly heterogeneous populations, which can be distinguished by the difference in warfarin dose as predicted by the two algorithms. A statistical approach is detailed, which allows an overall comparison as well as a comparison of the primary endpoint in the subgroup for which sufficiently different doses are predicted by the two algorithms. Methods of allocating alpha for these analyses are given — a prospective alpha allocation and allocating alpha so that the two analyses have equal power, which we call a ‘balanced alpha allocation.’

Results We show how to include an analysis of the primary endpoint in a subgroup as a co-primary analysis. Power can be improved by incorporating the correlation between the overall and subgroup analyses in a prospective alpha allocation approach. Balanced alpha allocation for the full cohort and subgroup tests to achieve the same desired power for both of the primary analyses is discussed in detail.

Limitations In the COAG trial, it is impractical to stratify the randomization on subgroup membership because genetic information may not be available at the time of randomization. If imbalances in the treatment arms in the subgroup are found, they will need to be addressed.

Conclusions The design of the COAG trial assures that the subgroup in which the largest treatment difference is expected is elevated to a co-primary analysis. Incorporating the correlation between the full cohort and the subgroup analyses provides an improvement in power for the subgroup comparison, and further improvement may be achieved via a balanced alpha allocation approach when the parameters involved in the sample size calculation are reasonably well estimated. Clinical Trials 2010; 7: 597—604. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Arsenic trioxide reduces 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced murine colitis via nuclear factor-κB down-regulation and caspase-3 activation
Authors: Singer Monique , Trugnan Germain , Chelbi-Alix Mounira K
Published: August 2010

Arsenic trioxide, As2O3, already used in human anti-cancer therapy, is also an efficient agent against the autoimmune and inflammatory diseases developed in MRL/lpr mice. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), notably Crohn’s disease, which remain without efficient treatment, display autoimmune and inflammatory components. We, therefore, hypothesized that As2O3may be active on IBDs. Using the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced murine model of colitis, we demonstrate that As2O3used either in a preventive or a curative mode markedly reduced the induced colitis as assessed by macroscopic and microscopic scores, leading to prolonged mice survival. In addition, As2O3was able to inhibit NF-κB expression and DNA-binding in colon extracts leading to decreased cytokine gene expression (i.e. tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, and IL-23). Interestingly, As2O3also reduced keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) protein expression suggesting an impairment of neutrophils. This was associated with a marked increase of procaspase-3 and induced caspase-3 activation. This caspase-3 co-localized with MPO in the remaining neutrophils suggesting that As2O3might have eliminated inflamed cells probably by inducing their apoptosis. These results assessed the potent anti-inflammatory effect of As2O3, that targets both NF-κB and caspase-3 pathways, and suggests a therapeutic potential for Crohn’s disease and other severe IBDs.
This Story Is Not for Everyone: Transportability and Narrative Persuasion
Authors: Mazzocco Philip J. , Green Melanie C. , Sasota Jo A. , Jones Norman W.
Published: August 2010

Across two studies, the authors examined the role of individual differences in transportability, the tendency to become transported into narratives, in predicting the degree of attitude change resulting from persuasive narratives. In Study 1 ( N = 137), participants were persuaded by a story promoting tolerance toward homosexuals only to the extent that they self-rated as highly transportable. In Study 2 ( N = 298), this finding was replicated using the topic of affirmative action. Study 2 further showed that the effects of transportability were unique to narratives and did not extend to rhetorical communications. Across both studies, the link between transportability and attitudes was found to be mediated by emotional, empathic responses as opposed to rationalistic appraisals. The theoretical and applied implications of this work are discussed.
The Expression of Personality in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Yee Nick , Harris Helen , Jabon Maria , Bailenson Jeremy N.
Published: August 2010

To examine the expression of personality in virtual worlds (VWs), the authors tracked the behavioral and linguistic output of 76 students continuously over a 6-week period in the VW Second Life (SL). Behavioral metrics in SL were consistent over time, but low stabilities were observed for linguistic metrics. To examine the ways in which personality manifested in SL, participant’s Big Five scores were correlated with their virtual behavioral and linguistic metrics. For example, Conscientiousness was correlated with many metrics related to geographical movement; however, there was low overlap with findings from previous studies. The authors provide some reasons for this low concordance. Their study hints at the potential of leveraging VWs to understand the link not only between personality and behavior but also among other social and psychological phenomena as well.
Sight-Singing: Ten Years of Published Research
Authors: Kuehne Jane M.
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this article was to review published research on sight-singing from the past 10 years, 1998-2008. Several authors published research in various areas in sight-singing. These included festival availability and participation, time use in sight-singing adjudication, method and materials, strategies of successful students, assessing sight-singing skills, effects of background noise on sight-singing ability, and harmonic and melodic influences on sight-singing success. As a result, several teaching strategies were suggested and it was concluded that teachers should choose a method, use it consistently, and teach their students to prepare effectively. Suggestions for future research are included.
The Value of Professional Organizations
Authors: Madsen Clifford K.
Published: August 2010

This article begins with the author’s personal experience within The National Association for Music Education (MENC) and stresses the importance of professional organizations by addressing issues that have a consequential benefit to both students and teachers. Additionally, issues are addressed that seem problematic for some individuals within music education concerning extant organizations such as MENC. Specifically, two possible reasons are given for this disenchantment: (a) personal rejection at having one’s research not accepted for publication, and (b) voluntary academic segregation caused by the inability to relate across music disciplines. Suggestions are given to remedy this splintering across music specializations combined with strong advocacy for supporting and actively participating in existing professional organizations as opposed to starting new ones.
Next-generation sequencing of the TET2 gene in 355 MDS and CMML patients reveals low-abundance mutant clones with early origins, but indicates no definite prognostic value
Authors: Smith Alexander E. , Mohamedali Azim M. , Kulasekararaj Austin , Lim ZiYi , Gäken Joop , Lea Nicholas C. , Przychodzen Bartlomiej , Mian Syed A. , Nasser Erick E. , Shooter Claire , Westwood Nigel B. , Strupp Corinna , Gattermann Norbert , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P. , Germing Ulrich , Mufti Ghulam J.
Published: August 2010

Mutations in the TET2 gene are frequent in myeloid disease, although their biologic and prognostic significance remains unclear. We analyzed 355 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes using “next-generation” sequencing for TET2 aberrations, 91 of whom were also subjected to single-nucleotide polymorphism 6.0 array karyotyping. Seventy-one TET2 mutations, with a relative mutation abundance (RMA) ≥ 10%, were identified in 39 of 320 (12%) myelodysplastic syndrome and 16 of 35 (46%) chroni myelomonocytic leukemia patients (P < .001). Interestingly, 4 patients had multiple mutations likely to exist as independent clones or on alternate alleles, suggestive of clonal evolution. “Deeper” sequencing of 96 patient samples identified 4 additional mutations (RMA, 3%-6.3%). Importantly, TET2 mutant clones were also found in T cells, in addition to CD34+ and total bone marrow cells (23.5%, 38.5%, and 43% RMA, respectively). Only 20% of the TET2-mutated patients showed loss of heterozygosity at the TET2 locus. There was no difference in the frequency of genome-wide aberrations, TET2 expression, or the JAK2V617F 46/1 haplotype between TET2-mutated and nonmutated patients. There was no significant prognostic association between TET2 mutations and World Health Organization subtypes, International Prognostic Scoring System score, cytogenetic status, or transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. On multivariate analysis, age (> 50 years) was associated with a higher incidence of TET2 mutation (P = .02).
Inhibition of p38 MAPK-dependent bronchial contraction after ozone by corticosteroids
Authors: Li F. , Zhang M. , Hussain F. , Triantaphyllopoulos K. , Clark A.R. , Bhavsar P.K. , Zhou X. , Chung K.F.
Published: August 2010

We determined the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) contractile responses following ozone and modulation by corticosteroids.

Mice were exposed to air or ozone (3 ppm for 3 h) and isometric contractile responses of bronchial rings to acetylcholine (ACh) were measured using a myograph in the presence of p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB239063 (10−6M) or dexamethasone (10−6M). Because MAPK phosphatase (MKP)-1 is a negative regulator of p38 MAPK, we also studied these effects in MKP-1-/-mice.

Bronchial rings from ozone-exposed wild-type and MKP-1-/-mice showed increased contractile responses, with a leftward shift of the dose–response curve in MKP-1-/-mice. SB239063 inhibited bronchial contraction equally in air- and ozone-exposed C57/BL6 and MKP-1-/-mice. Dexamethasone inhibited ACh-induced bronchial contraction in both air- and ozone-exposed C57/BL6 mice, but not in air- or ozone-exposed MKP-1-/-mice. ACh-stimulated p38 MAPK and heat shock protein (HSP)27 phosphorylation, as measured by Western blotting, and this effect was suppressed by SB239063 in C57/BL6 and MKP-1-/-mice, but not by dexamethasone in either air- or ozone-exposed MKP-1-/-mice.

p38 MAPK plays a role in maximal ACh-induced isometric contractile responses and increased contractility induced by ozone. Dexamethasone inhibits ACh-induced ASM contraction through phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and HSP27.
Dexamethasone reverses monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats
Authors: Price L.C. , Montani D. , Tcherakian C. , Dorfmüller P. , Souza R. , Gambaryan N. , Chaumais M-C. , Shao D.M. , Simonneau G. , Howard L.S. , Adcock I.M. , Wort S.J. , Humbert M. , Perros F.
Published: August 2010

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with dysregulated bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR)-II signaling and pulmonary vascular inflammation. We evaluated the effects of dexamethasone on monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH in rats for potential reversal of PAH at late time-points.

Saline-treated control, MCT-exposed, MCT-exposed and dexamethasone-treated rats (5 mg·kg−1·day−1, 1.25 mg·kg−1and 2.5 mg·kg−1·48 h−1) were evaluated at day 28 and day 35 following MCT for haemodynamic parameters, right ventricular hypertrophy, morphometry, immunohistochemistry, andIL6andBMPR2expression.

Dexamethasone improved haemodynamics and pulmonary vascular remodelling, preventing PAH development at early (day 1–14 and 1–28) and reversing PAH at late (day 14–28 and 21–35) time-points following MCT, as well as improving survival in MCT-exposed rats compared with controls. Both MCT-induced pulmonaryIL6overexpression and interleukin (IL)-6-expressing adventitial inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced with dexamethasone. This was associated with pulmonaryBMPR2downregulation following MCT, which was increased with dexamethasone, in whole lung and control pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Dexamethasone also reduced proliferation of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cellsin vitro.

Experimental PAH can be prevented and reversed by dexamethasone, and survival is improved. In this model, mechanisms may involve reduction of IL-6-expressing inflammatory cells, restoration of pulmonaryBMPR2expression and reduced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.
Once-daily indacaterolversustwice-daily salmeterol for COPD: a placebo-controlled comparison
Authors: Kornmann O. , Dahl R. , Centanni S. , Dogra A. , Owen R. , Lassen C. , Kramer B.
Published: August 2010

Indacaterol is a novel, inhaled, once-daily, ultra-long-acting β2-agonist bronchodilator recently approved in Europe for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of indacaterol compared with placebo and the twice-daily β2-agonist, salmeterol, as an active control.

Patients with moderate-to-severe COPD were randomised to 6 months double-blind treatment with indacaterol (150 μg once daily), salmeterol (50 μg twice daily) or placebo. The primary efficacy end-point was trough (24 h post-dose) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) after 12 weeks.

1,002 patients were randomised and 838 (84%) completed the study. Indacaterol increased trough FEV1at week 12 by 170 mL over placebo (p<0.001) and by 60 mL over salmeterol (p<0.001). Both active treatments improved health status (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire) and dyspnoea (transition dyspnoea index) compared with placebo, with differences between them favouring indacaterol. Safety profiles were similar across the treatment groups, and both indacaterol and salmeterol were well tolerated.

Once-daily treatment with 150 μg indacaterol had a significant and clinically relevant bronchodilator effect over 24 h post-dose and improved health status and dyspnoea to a greater extent than twice-daily 50 μg salmeterol. Indacaterol should prove a useful additional treatment for patients with COPD.
The minimal important difference of exercise tests in severe COPD
Authors: Puhan M.A. , Chandra D. , Mosenifar Z. , Ries A. , Make B. , Hansel N.N. , Wise R.A. , Sciurba F.
Published: August 2010

Our aim was to determine the minimal important difference (MID) for 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and maximal cycle exercise capacity (MCEC) in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

1,218 patients enrolled in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial completed exercise tests before and after 4–6 weeks of pre-trial rehabilitation, and 6 months after randomisation to surgery or medical care. The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (domain and total scores) and University of California San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (total score) served as anchors for anchor-based MID estimates. In order to calculate distribution-based estimates, we used the standard error of measurement, Cohen's effect size and the empirical rule effect size.

Anchor-based estimates for the 6MWD were 18.9 m (95% CI 18.1–20.1 m), 24.2 m (95% CI 23.4–25.4 m), 24.6 m (95% CI 23.4–25.7 m) and 26.4 m (95% CI 25.4–27.4 m), which were similar to distribution-based MID estimates of 25.7, 26.8 and 30.6 m. For MCEC, anchor-based estimates for the MID were 2.2 W (95% CI 2.0–2.4 W), 3.2 W (95% CI 3.0–3.4 W), 3.2 W (95% CI 3.0–3.4 W) and 3.3 W (95% CI 3.0–3.5 W), while distribution-based estimates were 5.3 and 5.5 W.

We suggest a MID of 26±2 m for 6MWD and 4±1 W for MCEC for patients with severe COPD.
Interstitial pressure and lung oedema in chronic hypoxia
Authors: Rivolta I. , Lucchini V. , Rocchetti M. , Kolar F. , Palazzo F. , Zaza A. , Miserocchi G.
Published: August 2010

We evaluated how the increase in lung interstitial pressure correlates with the pulmonary vascular response to chronic hypoxia.

In control and hypoxic (30 days; 10% O2) Wistar male rats, we measured: pulmonary interstitial pressure (Pip), cardiac and haemodynamic parameters by echocardiography, and performed lung morphometry on tissue specimens fixedin situ.

In control animals, mean±sdPip, air/tissue volume ratio and capillary vascularity index in the air–blood barrier were -12±2.03 cmH2O, 3.9 and 0.43, respectively. After hypoxia exposure, the corresponding values of these indices in apparently normal lung regions were 2.6±1.7 cmH2O, 3.6, and 0.5, respectively. In oedematous regions, the corresponding values were 12±4 cmH2O, 0.4 and 0.3, respectively. Furthermore, in normal regions, the density of pre-capillary vessels (diameter ∼50–200 μm) increased and their thickness/internal diameter ratio decreased, while opposite results were found in oedematous regions. Pulmonary artery pressure increased in chronic hypoxia relative to the control (39.8±5.9versus26.2±2.2 mmHg).

Heterogeneity in local lung vascular response contributes to developing pulmonary hypertension in chronic hypoxia. In oedematous regions, the decrease in capillary vascularity correlated with the remarkable increase in interstitial pressure and morphometry of the pre-capillary vessels suggested an increase in vascular resistance; the opposite was true in apparently normal regions.
Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound for the diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Steinfort D.P. , Khor Y.H. , Manser R.L. , Irving L.B.
Published: August 2010

Improved diagnostic sensitivity of bronchsocopy for the investigation of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) with the use of radial probe endobroncial ultrasound (EBUS) has been reported, although diagnostic performance varies considerably.

A systematic review of published literature evaluating radial probe EBUS accuracy was performed to determine point sensitivity and specificity, and to construct a summary receiver-operating characteristic curve. Sub-group analysis and linear regression was used to identify possible sources of study heterogeneity.

16 studies with 1,420 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Significant inter-study variation in EBUS method was noted. EBUS had point specificity of 1.00 (95% CI 0.99–1.00) and point sensitivity of 0.73 (95% CI 0.70–0.76) for the detection of lung cancer, with a positive likelihood ratio of 26.84 (12.60–57.20) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.28 (0.23–0.36). Significant inter-study heterogeneity for sensitivity was observed, with prevalence of malignancy, lesion size and reference standard used being possible sources.

EBUS is a safe and relatively accurate tool in the investigation of PPLs. Diagnostic sensitivity of EBUS may be influenced by the prevalence of malignancy in the patient cohort being examined and lesion size. Further methodologically rigorous studies on well-defined patient populations are required to evaluate the generalisability of our results.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and metalworking fluids contaminated by mycobacteria
Authors: Tillie-Leblond I. , Grenouillet F. , Reboux G. , Roussel S. , Chouraki B. , Lorthois C. , Dalphin J-C. , Wallaert B. , Millon L.
Published: August 2010

Metalworking fluids (MWF) are responsible for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). The aim of the present study was to identify the antigen (Ag) responsible for MWF-associated HP, and to optimise serological diagnosis by definition of a threshold allowing discrimination between HP patients and asymptomatic exposed workers.

13 patients, who were workers at a car engine manufacturing plant, were suspected of MWF-associated HP. Microbial analysis of 83 used MWFs was carried out. Sera from 13 MWF-associated HP patients, 12 asymptomatic exposed workers and 18 healthy unexposed controls were tested to determine their immunological responses to three Ags, includingMycobacterium immunogenum.

M. immunogenumwas identified in 40% of used fluids by culture and confirmed by DNA sequencing. The threshold for differentiating MWF-associated HP patients from asymptomatic exposed workers was five arcs of precipitation (sensitivity 77% and specificity 92%), as determined by electrosyneresis (ES). Using ELISA methods with protein extract fromM. immunogenum, a threshold leading to 92% sensitivity and 100% specificity was established.

The detection of specific antibodies againstM. immunogenumAg at high levels in case sera suggests thatM. immunogenum-contaminated MWF is responsible for MWF-associated HP. To discriminate MWF-associated HP patients from asymptomatic exposed workers, we suggest a five-arc threshold for ES and a 1.6-AU threshold for ELISA methods.
Distributed probing of chromatin structure in vivo reveals pervasive chromatin accessibility for expressed and non-expressed genes during tissue differentiation in C. elegans
Authors: Sha Ky , Gu Sam G , Pantalena-Filho Luiz C , Goh Amy , Fleenor Jamie , Blanchard Daniel , Krishna Chaya , Fire Andrew
Published: August 2010

Background

Tissue differentiation is accompanied by genome-wide changes in the underlying chromatin structure and dynamics, or epigenome. By controlling when, where, and what regulatory factors have access to the underlying genomic DNA, the epigenome influences the cell's transcriptome and ultimately its function. Existing genomic methods for analyzing cell-type-specific changes in chromatin generally involve two elements: (i) a source for purified cells (or nuclei) of distinct types, and (ii) a specific treatment that partitions or degrades chromatin by activity or structural features. For many cell types of great interest, such assays are limited by our inability to isolate the relevant cell populations in an organism or complex tissue containing an intertwined mixture of other cells. This limitation has confined available knowledge of chromatin dynamics to a narrow range of biological systems (cell types that can be sorted/separated/dissected in large numbers and tissue culture models) or to amalgamations of diverse cell types (tissue chunks, whole organisms).

Results

Transgene-driven expression of DNA/chromatin modifying enzymes provides one opportunity to query chromatin structures in expression-defined cell subsets. In this work we combine in vivo expression of a bacterial DNA adenine methyltransferase (DAM) with high throughput sequencing to sample tissue-specific chromatin accessibility on a genome-wide scale. We have applied the method (DALEC: Direct Asymmetric Ligation End Capture) towards mapping a cell-type-specific view of genome accessibility as a function of differentiated state. Taking advantage of C. elegans strains expressing the DAM enzyme in diverse tissues (body wall muscle, gut, and hypodermis), our efforts yield a genome-wide dataset measuring chromatin accessibility at each of 538,000 DAM target sites in the C. elegans (diploid) genome.

Conclusions

Validating the DALEC mapping results, we observe a strong association between observed coverage by nucleosomes and low DAM accessibility. Strikingly, we observed no extended regions of inaccessible chromatin for any of the tissues examined. These results are consistent with "local choreography" models in which differential gene expression is driven by intricate local rearrangements of chromatin structure rather than gross impenetrability of large chromosomal regions.
Differences in prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among computer and non-computer users in a Nigerian population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayanniyi O , Ukpai BOO , Adeniyi AF
Published: August 2010

Background

Literature abounds on the prevalent nature of Self Reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms (SRMS) among computer users, but studies that actually compared this with non computer users are meagre thereby reducing the strength of the evidence. This study compared the prevalence of SRMS between computer and non computer users and assessed the risk factors associated with SRMS.

Methods

A total of 472 participants comprising equal numbers of age and sex matched computer and non computer users were assessed for the presence of SRMS. Information concerning musculoskeletal symptoms and discomforts from the neck, shoulders, upper back, elbows, wrists/hands, low back, hips/thighs, knees and ankles/feet were obtained using the Standardized Nordic questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of SRMS was significantly higher in the computer users than the non computer users both over the past 7 days (χ2 = 39.11, p = 0.001) and during the past 12 month durations (χ2 = 53.56, p = 0.001). The odds of reporting musculoskeletal symptoms was least for participants above the age of 40 years (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.31-0.64 over the past 7 days and OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.47-0.77 during the past 12 months) and also reduced in female participants. Increasing daily hours and accumulated years of computer use and tasks of data processing and designs/graphics significantly (p < 0.05) increased the risk of reporting musculoskeletal symptoms. Over the past 7 day duration, the neck (33.9%) and low back (11.4%) had highest prevalence of SRMS for the computer and non computer users respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence of SRMS was significantly higher in the computer users than the non computer users and younger age, being male, working longer hours daily, increasing years of computer use, data entry tasks and computer designs/graphics were the significant risk factors for reporting musculoskeletal symptoms among the computer users. Computer use may explain the increase in prevalence of SRMS among the computer users.
In vitroevaluation of marine-microorganism extracts for anti-viral activity
Authors: Yasuhara-Bell Jarred , Yang Yongbo , Barlow Russell , Trapido-Rosenthal Hank , Lu Yuanan
Published: August 2010

Viral-induced infectious diseases represent a major health threat and their control remains an unachieved goal, due in part to the limited availability of effective anti-viral drugs and measures. The use of natural products in drug manufacturing is an ancient and well-established practice. Marine organisms are known producers of pharmacological and anti-viral agents. In this study, a total of 20 extracts from marine microorganisms were evaluated for their antiviral activity. These extracts were tested against two mammalian viruses, herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), using Vero cells as the cell culture system, and two marine virus counterparts, channel catfish virus (CCV) and snakehead rhabdovirus (SHRV), in their respective cell cultures (CCO and EPC). Evaluation of these extracts demonstrated that some possess antiviral potential. In sum, extracts 162M(4), 258M(1), 298M(4), 313(2), 331M(2), 367M(1) and 397(1) appear to be effective broad-spectrum antivirals with potential uses as prophylactic agents to prevent infection, as evident by their highly inhibitive effects against both virus types. Extract 313(2) shows the most potential in that it showed significantly high inhibition across all tested viruses. The samples tested in this study were crude extracts; therefore the development of antiviral application of the few potential extracts is dependent on future studies focused on the isolation of the active elements contained in these extracts.
Epidural cement leakage through pedicle violation after balloon kyphoplasty causing paraparesis in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures - a report of two cases
Authors: Park Si-Young , Modi Hitesh N , Suh Seung-Woo , Hong Jae-Young , Noh Won , Yang Jae-Hyuk
Published: August 2010

Kyphoplasty is advantageous over vertebroplasty in terms of better kyphosis correction and diminished risk of cement extravasations. Literature described cement leakage causing neurological injury mainly after vertebroplasty procedure; only a few case reports show cement leakage with kyphoplasty without neurological injury or proper cause of leakage. We present a report two cases of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture treated with kyphoplasty and developed cement leakage causing significant neurological injury. In both cases CT scan was the diagnostic tool to identify cause of cement leakage. CT scan exhibited violation of medial pedicle wall causing cement leakage in the spinal canal. Both patients displayed clinical improvement after decompression surgery with or without instrumentation. Retrospectively looking at stored fluoroscopic images, we found that improper position of trocar in AP and lateral view simultaneously while taking entry caused pedicle wall violation. We suggest not to cross medial pedicle wall in AP image throughout the entire procedure and keeping the trocar in the center of pedicle in lateral image would be the most important precaution to prevent such complication. Our case reports adds the neurological complications with kyphoplasty procedure and suggested that along with other precautions described in the literature, entry with trocar along the entire procedure keeping the oval shape of pedicle in mind (under C-arm) will probably help to prevent such complications.
Research Note—Returns to Information Technology Outsourcing
Authors: Han Kunsoo , Kauffman Robert J. , Nault Barrie R.
Published: August 2010

This study extends existing information technology (IT) productivity research by evaluating the contributions of spending in IT outsourcing using a production function framework and an economywide panel data set from 60 industries in the United States over the period from 1998 to 2006. Our results demonstrate that IT outsourcing has made a positive and economically meaningful contribution to industry output and labor productivity. It has not only helped industries produce more output, but it has also made their labor more productive. Moreover, our analysis of split data samples reveals systematic differences between high and low IT intensity industries in terms of the degree and impact of IT outsourcing. Our results indicate that high IT intensity industries use more IT outsourcing as a percentage of their output, but less as a percentage of their own IT capital, and they achieve higher returns from IT outsourcing. This finding suggests that to gain greater value from IT outsourcing, firms need to develop IT capabilities by intensively investing in IT themselves. By comparing the results from subperiods and analyzing a separate data set for the earlier period of 1987–1999, we conclude that the value of IT outsourcing has been stable from 1998 to 2006 and consistent over the past two decades. The high returns we find for IT outsourcing also suggest that firms may be underinvesting in IT outsourcing.
Identifying and Testing the Inhibitors of Technology Usage Intentions
Authors: Cenfetelli Ronald T. , Schwarz Andrew
Published: August 2010

An important area of information systems (IS) research has been the identification of the individual-level beliefs that enable technology acceptance such as the usefulness, reliability, and flexibility of a system. This study posits the existence of additional beliefs that inhibit usage intentions and thus foster technology rejection rather than acceptance. We theorize that these inhibitors are more than just the antipoles of enablers (e.g., the opposite of usefulness or reliability) and so are distinct constructs worthy of their own investigation. Inhibitors are proposed to have effects on usage intentions beyond that of enablers as well as effects on enablers themselves. We report on a series of empirical studies designed to test the existence and effects of inhibitors. A candidate set of six inhibitors is shown to be distinct from enablers. These inhibitors are subsequently tested in a field study of 387 individuals nested within 32 different websites. Effects at both individual and website unit levels of analysis are tested using multilevel modeling. We find that inhibitors have negative effects on usage intentions, as well as on enablers, and these effects vary contingent upon individual or website unit levels of analysis. The overall results support the existence and importance of inhibitors in explaining individual intent to use—or not use—technology.
Information Technology, Network Structure, and Competitive Action
Authors: Chi Lei , Ravichandran T. , Andrevski Goce
Published: August 2010

Researchers in competitive dynamics have demonstrated that firms that carry out intense, complex, and heterogeneous competitive actions exhibit better performance. However, there is a need to understand factors that enable firms to undertake competitive actions. In this study, we focus on two antecedents of competitive behavior of firms: (1) access to network resources and (2) use of information technology (IT). We argue that while network structure provides firms with the opportunity to tap into external resources, the extent to which they are actually exploited depends on firms' IT-enabled capability. We develop a theoretical model that examines the relationships between IT-enabled capability, network structure, and competitive action. We test the model using secondary data, about 12 major automakers over 16 years from 1988 to 2003. We find that network structure rich in structural holes has a positive direct effect on firms' ability to introduce a greater number and a wider range of competitive actions. However, the effect of dense network structure is contingent on firms' IT-enabled capability. Firms benefit from dense network structure only when they develop a strong IT-enabled capability. Our results suggest that IT-enabled capability plays both a substitutive role, when firms do not have advantageous access to brokerage opportunities, and a complementary role, when firms are embedded in dense network structure, in the relationship between network structure and competitive actions.
Leveraging IT Capabilities and Competitive Process Capabilities for the Management of Interorganizational Relationship Portfolios
Authors: Rai Arun , Tang Xinlin
Published: August 2010

Firms are increasingly dependent on external resources and are establishing portfolios of interorganizational relationships (IRs) to leverage external resources for competitive advantage. However, the systems of information technology (IT) and process capabilities that firms should develop to manage IR portfolios dynamically are not well-understood. In order to theorize how key structural IT capabilities (IT integration and IT reconfiguration) and competitive process capabilities (process alignment, partnering flexibility, and offering flexibility) operate as systems of complements, we draw on the competitive dynamics perspective and resource dependency theory and on the literature for IT business value, interorganizational systems, and interorganizational relationship management. We also theorize how a firm's IR portfolio moderates the effects of structural IT capabilities on competitive process capabilities and why a firm's environmental turbulence moderates the effects of complementary process capabilities on competitive performance. We test our model using survey data from 318 firms in 4 industries. Our results provide broad support for the following: (1) structural IT capabilities and process capabilities operating as a system of complements, (2) the effects of structural IT capabilities on competitive process capabilities being contingent on IR portfolio concentration, and (3) the effects of complementary process capabilities on competitive performance being contingent on environmental turbulence. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of how firms should develop complementary systems of structural IT capabilities and competitive process capabilities to manage IR portfolios dynamically and leverage external resources.
Apolipoprotein E genotype and mortality in Southern European and Anglo-Celt patients with type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Davis Wendy A , Chin Eunice , Jee Adelle , Martins Jen , Bruce David G , Beilby John , Davis Timothy M E
Published: August 2010

Objective

To determine whether cardiac and all-cause mortality are lower in Southern European (SE) patients than in Anglo-Celt (AC) patients with type 2 diabetes in an urban Australian setting, and, if so, whether ethnicity-specific differences in apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes are contributory.

Design

Longitudinal observational cohort study.

Methods

We analysed detailed data from 1057 patients from the community-based Fremantle Diabetes Study, 238 were of an SE migrant background and 819 of AC ethnicity. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to identify independent predictors of cardiac and all-cause mortality.

Results

During 9.8±3.5 years of follow-up, 411 (38.9%) participants died, 161 (39.2%) from cardiac causes. Significant positive baseline independent predictors of cardiac death were age, male gender, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy (P≤0.004), while maternal history of diabetes was protective (P=0.014). After adjusting for these variables,APOE4carriage was predictive (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.61 (1.01–2.58);P=0.048). SE ethnicity did not add significantly to the model either as a single variable or as an interaction term withAPOE4carriage (P≥0.86). Significant independent predictors of all-cause mortality were age, male gender, smoking, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy and microalbuminuria (P≤0.047), while overweight/obesity, lipid-lowering therapy and recent exercise were protective (P≤0.008).APOE4carriage, SE ethnicity and their interaction did not add to the model (P≥0.32).

Conclusions

SE ethnicity does not confer an independent survival advantage in community-based Australian type 2 diabetic patients, butAPOE4carriers are at higher risk of cardiac death.