bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children’s and parents’ posttraumatic stress reactions after the 2004 tsunami
Authors: Dyb Grete , Jensen Tine K. , Nygaard Egil
Published: May 2011

This study examined the association between parents’ and children’s posttraumatic stress reactions after the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia in 2004. Parents of 319 Norwegian children and adolescents aged 6–18 years reported on children’s exposure to the tsunami and children’s immediate subjective responses. The Child Stress Disorder Checklist was used to measure children’s posttraumatic stress reactions 6–8 months after the tsunami, and the Impact of Event Scale Revised measured parental PTSD. Results indicated that parents’ posttraumatic stress reactions significantly predicted PTSD reactions in their children. The strongest association was found for parental intrusive reactions and hyperarousal. Highly exposed children seemed to be more vulnerable to parental distress compared to children with lower levels of exposure. The study demonstrates that parental distress can endure and worsen the impact of a disaster in children. In assessments of trauma-related consequences and in therapeutic work with children clinicians need to expand the focus to include their parents and family.
Taking a developmental and systemic perspective on neuropsychological rehabilitation with children with brain injury and their families
Authors: Byard Katie , Fine Howard , Reed Jonathan
Published: May 2011

This paper reviews current approaches and models in the neuropsychological rehabilitation of children following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and cites a large evidence base for a developmental and family systems perspective to neuropsychological rehabilitation of children post-TBI. The paper describes the application and efficacy of a systemic and developmental perspective to rehabilitation of children with TBI, with a clinical case example of this approach. The paper describes the development of a community-based child neuropsychology rehabilitation service integrating applied developmental neuropsychology and systems ideas as a way of working effectively with children with TBI and their families.
What to do about attention and memory problems in children with CFS/ME: A neuropsychological approach
Authors: Tucker Peter , Haig-Ferguson Andrew , Eaton Nicola , Crawley Esther
Published: May 2011

Our recent research has shown that children with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyopathy (CFS/ME) describe problems with focused attention, sustained attention, recall and stress. Neuropsychological testing demonstrated lower scores for sustained attention, switching attention, divided attention, auditory learning and immediate recall compared to normative data. This paper describes what is currently known about memory and attention problems in children with CFS/ME and suggests a variety of strategies that could be used to overcome these difficulties.
Comparative studies of multi-criteria decision making with application to condition monitoring of a ship turbine
Authors: Prabhu Gaonkar R S , Xie M , Habibullah M S , Verma A K
Published: May 2011

Problems in multi-criteria decision making have always been of considerable interest to researchers over the decades, with various techniques and methodologies evolving continuously in this area. The use of fuzzy-set-based approaches has been widely documented in problems where the qualitative or subjective nature of the data, with information ambiguity or data imprecision, is inherent. In recent times, the approach of evidential reasoning, based on the Dempster–Shafer theory which considers uncertainty of a similar nature, has emerged as an alternative. As such, questions have arisen on the merits, and hence the accuracy, of these two kinds of method, i.e. the fuzzy-set-based approach and evidential reasoning, when applied to the considered problem. This paper aims to address some of these questions through a comparative study on the use of fuzzy-set-based methods and evidential reasoning methodology on the condition monitoring of a turbine on a transportation ship. Since the assessment of the ranking problem of the condition-monitoring technique has been well investigated and reported in the literature, methodical comparisons of the results obtained from the fuzzy-set-based methods and the evidential reasoning approach are studied. In the studies, it was concluded that the use of assessment with evidential reasoning, which considers incomplete information, provides identical results with those of fuzzy-set-based methods. The paper also revealed how the use of the evidential reasoning approach could replace fuzzy-set-based methods, which often demands complete subjective information.
A review of developments towards biologically inspired propulsion systems for autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Roper D T , Sharma S , Sutton R , Culverhouse P
Published: May 2011

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are playing an ever-growing role in modern subocean operations, generating a demand for faster, more manoeuvrable designs capable of deployments of increasingly longer durations. In order to meet these demands, vehicle developers have been looking to biological aquatic animals for inspiration. After evolving for millions of years, fish and cetaceans have developed fast efficient locomotion techniques, with levels of manoeuvrability that far outperform conventional engineered marine locomotion systems. This paper aims to give a brief introduction into some of the biologically inspired propulsion mechanisms that have been developed, to explain their strengths, their weaknesses, and the motivation behind them, and then finally to predict future trends in biomimetic AUV propulsion design.
Air cavity with variable length under a model hull
Authors: Matveev K I , Miller M J
Published: May 2011

The application of air-ventilated cavities for marine vessels can result in substantial drag reduction. Experimental and modelling studies of air cavities formed under a model-scale hull are reported. Experiments were conducted with a simplified stepped hull on the water surface in a recirculating water channel. Stable cavities with different lengths and cavitation numbers were generated at fixed water flow velocity and model position. No air leakage from cavities was observed in a range of cavity lengths. The maximum length of a stable cavity with air leakage was identified. Significant enhancement of the maximum cavity length was achieved by placing an inclined plate under the cavity and supplying a large amount of air during a short period of time. This augmentation of the cavity presents an effective practical means for lengthening air-ventilated cavities and controlling cavity properties. Numerical studies simulating an air-cavity flow were conducted using a linearized potential flow method. Calculations show a qualitative agreement with trends of experimentally observed lengths of air cavities and confirm a possibility of increasing the cavity length by placing a vortex underneath the cavity. A quantitative agreement is obtained for maximum lengths of non-augmented cavities when non-linear and viscous effects are minimal.
Vibro-acoustic optimization of an immersed cylindrical structure with a floating-raft system inside by using frequency-response-function-based substructuring sensitivity analysis
Authors: Huang X-C , Zhang Z-Y , Zhang Z-H , Hua H-X
Published: May 2011

Optimization of the vibration transmission of an internal floating-raft system and the resultant sound radiation of the fluid-loaded cylindrical structure is presented. The influences of different objective functions, fluid loading, external loading, and an optimized frequency band on the optimization results are investigated in detail. The frequency-response-function (FRF)-based substructuring method and the coupled finite element method–boundary element method are employed to study the vibration transmission from vibrating machines to the base and the vibro-acoustic behaviour of the fluid-loaded cylindrical structure respectively. An FRF-based substructuring sensitivity analysis is applied to obtain the optimal values of the stiffness of isolators under five objective functions in the low-frequency range. The optimized results demonstrate that some of the objective functions are equivalent to each other and can be replaced by each other. The reasons for the difference in the variation trends of the stiffness of the lower isolators for different objective functions are discussed in detail. The fluid loading does have an impact on the optimal results and it influences the variation trend of only the stiffness of the isolators that support the machines without an externally applied load. The external loading and the optimized frequency band are two factors to be carefully considered in the design stage. This investigation reveals that it should take into account fluid–structure interaction and comprehensively consider different vibration or acoustic objectives in the design stage.
Experimental measurement of the surface velocity field in an externally induced sloshing tank
Authors: Eswaran M , Singh A , Saha U K
Published: May 2011

In this work, the unsteady free-surface velocities during the surge motion of a liquid tank are determined through experimental investigation. A new experimental approach has been discussed for capturing the free surface of the liquid during tank excitation. In order to avoid violent motion in the tank, the tank is excited with a low frequency (up to 47 per cent of the first-mode frequency) which leads to low-steepness waves in the container. When a container oscillates at a low excitation frequency, the wave amplitude A is usually small. Since the wave steepness E is directly proportional to the wave amplitude, the wave steepness is also small during the motion. The planar two-dimensional particle image velocimetry technique is used to calculate the U and V velocities of the free surface, while the interface location technique is used to determine the vertical velocity W of the interface. The velocities are measured for various liquid fill levels and excitation frequencies. The average line velocity Vw near the tank wall and the average line velocity Vc near the velocity tank centre with respect to time are estimated and compared with the tank velocity. The observed flow patterns indicate the presence of complicated flows during the sloshing experiment.
Emerald dragon bites vs veggie beans: Fun food names increase children’s consumption of novel healthy foods
Authors: Musher-Eizenman Dara R. , Wagner Oehlhof Marissa , Young Kathleen M. , Hauser Jessica C. , Galliger Courtney , Sommer Alyssa
Published: May 2011

Caregivers often struggle with food neophobia on the part of young children. This study examined whether labeling novel healthy foods with fun names would increase children’s willingness to try those foods and encourage them to eat more of those foods in a child care setting. Thirty-nine toddler and preschool age children (mean age = 3.9 years) were served each of three foods twice, once labeled with a fun name and once with a healthy name. Percentage of the food consumed by each child was recorded. Overall, children ate a greater percentage of the target foods when they were labeled with fun names. Also, a larger percentage of the children tasted the foods when they were labeled with fun names. This simple strategy could be effective for increasing consumption of healthy foods among young children.
Do Business Leaders Value Human Resource Certification?
Authors: Lester Scott W. , Fertig Jason , Dwyer Dale J.
Published: May 2011

This study addresses the need for more empirical work regarding the value of human resource (HR) certification. The study extends previous research by examining the beliefs of top organizational leaders regarding the benefits of having HR-certified professionals in the organization. In addition, the authors compare and contrast managerial perceptions based on whether the leaders themselves hold certification (i.e., not certified, HR certified, or non-HR certified). The results show that 90% of organizational leaders perceived HR certification for their human resource professionals to be beneficial. Despite this perception, the results show that HR certification has limited influence on managerial decision making for career-related outcomes.
Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis After Tibial Pilon Open Reduction Internal Fixation
Authors: Harris Thomas G. , Lee David
Published: May 2011

Ankle arthrodesis is an essential tool in the foot and ankle surgeon’s armamentarium. Despite the evolving technology and ongoing research in ankle arthroplasty, arthrodesis continues to be a proven and safe option for the majority of patients with ankle arthritis refractory to conservative management. Here, the authors present their technique of an arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis specifically in the setting of a previous open-reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for a tibia plafond type fracture. They have found this to be a reliable technique to achieve a solid ankle arthrodesis while minimizing soft-tissue trauma and dissection in an already compromised soft-tissue envelope.
Primary Actinomycosis of the Foot in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis
Authors: Choi Tsz Lung , Lui Tun Hing
Published: May 2011

Actinomycosis is a chronic and suppurative infection caused by an endogenous gram-positive bacterium. The usual sites of infection are the head and neck, thorax, and abdomen and are almost always endogenous in origin. Primary actinomycosis is rare and is usually associated with external trauma. The authors report a case of a primary actinomycosis presented as a mass on the foot that mimics neurofibroma in a 56-year-old Asian woman with neurofibromatosis. The patient has no history of preceding trauma. She was treated with excisional biopsy. Histopathology of the excised mass showed features of actinomycosis. Culture for bacteria, fungus, and acid-fast bacilli were all negative. The patient recovered well and there is no recurrence after a 25-month follow-up period.
A Matching Hypothesis for the Activity Level of Actions Involved in Attitude–Behavior Consistency
Authors: Paulson René M. , Lord Charles G. , Taylor Cheryl A. , Brady Sara E. , McIntyre Rusty B. , Fuller Eric W.
Published: May 2011

Two studies examined a matching hypothesis: Attitudes predict behaviors better when they both involve the same rather than different levels of attitude-relevant action activity. In Study 1, participants listed actions they might take toward gay men and immediately reported their attitudes. One to two weeks later, their reported attitudes were more predictive of behaviors that matched than mismatched the activity level of their listed actions. In Study 2, participants were randomly assigned to make decisions about either active or passive actions toward gay men just before they reported their attitudes. One to two weeks later, their reported attitudes better predicted behaviors that matched than mismatched the type of attitude-relevant action that had been made salient. The results support the importance to attitude–behavior consistency of matching attitude-relevant actions and behavioral measures on activity level, and the utility of considering both positivity and activity level in studies of attitude–behavior consistency.
Notch restricts lymphatic vessel sprouting induced by vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Zheng Wei , Tammela Tuomas , Yamamoto Masahiro , Anisimov Andrey , Holopainen Tanja , Kaijalainen Seppo , Karpanen Terhi , Lehti Kaisa , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Alitalo Kari
Published: May 2011

Notch signaling plays a central role in cell-fate determination, and its role in lateral inhibition in angiogenic sprouting is well established. However, the role of Notch signaling in lymphangiogenesis, the growth of lymphatic vessels, is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate Notch pathway activity in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), as well as induction of delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) and Notch target genes on stimulation with VEGF or VEGF-C. Suppression of Notch signaling by a soluble form of Dll4 (Dll4-Fc) synergized with VEGF in inducing LEC sprouting in 3-dimensional (3D) fibrin gel assays. Expression of Dll4-Fc in adult mouse ears promoted lymphangiogenesis, which was augmented by coexpressing VEGF. Lymphangiogenesis triggered by Notch inhibition was suppressed by a monoclonal VEGFR-2 Ab as well as soluble VEGF and VEGF-C/VEGF-D ligand traps. LECs transduced with Dll4 preferentially adopted the tip cell position over nontransduced cells in 3D sprouting assays, suggesting an analogous role for Dll4/Notch in lymphatic and blood vessel sprouting. These results indicate that the Notch pathway controls lymphatic endothelial quiescence, and explain why LECs are poorly responsive to VEGF compared with VEGF-C. Understanding the role of the Notch pathway in lymphangiogenesis provides further insight for the therapeutic manipulation of the lymphatic vessels.
Langerhans cells regulate cutaneous injury by licensing CD8 effector cells recruited to the skin
Authors: Bennett Clare L. , Fallah-Arani Farnaz , Conlan Thomas , Trouillet Celine , Goold Hugh , Chorro Laurent , Flutter Barry , Means Terry K. , Geissmann Frédéric , Chakraverty Ronjon
Published: May 2011

Langerhans cells (LCs) are a distinct population of dendritic cells that form a contiguous network in the epidermis of the skin. Although LCs possess many of the properties of highly proficient dendritic cells, recent studies have indicated that they are not necessary to initiate cutaneous immunity. In this study, we used a tractable model of cutaneous GVHD, induced by topical application of a Toll-like receptor agonist, to explore the role of LCs in the development of tissue injury. By adapting this model to permit inducible and selective depletion of host LCs, we found that GVHD was significantly reduced when LCs were absent. However, LCs were not required either for CD8 T-cell activation within the draining lymph node or subsequent homing of effector cells to the epidermis. Instead, we found that LCs were necessary for inducing transcription of IFN-γ and other key effector molecules by donor CD8 cells in the epidermis, indicating that they license CD8 cells to induce epithelial injury. These data demonstrate a novel regulatory role for epidermal LCs during the effector phase of an inflammatory immune response in the skin.
The spectrin-based membrane skeleton stabilizes mouse megakaryocyte membrane systems and is essential for proplatelet and platelet formation
Authors: Patel-Hett Sunita , Wang Hongbei , Begonja Antonija J. , Thon Jonathan N. , Alden Eva C. , Wandersee Nancy J. , An Xiuli , Mohandas Narla , Hartwig John H. , Italiano Joseph E.
Published: May 2011

Megakaryocytes generate platelets by remodeling their cytoplasm first into proplatelets and then into preplatelets, which undergo fission to generate platelets. Although the functions of microtubules and actin during platelet biogenesis have been defined, the role of the spectrin cytoskeleton is unknown. We investigated the function of the spectrin-based membrane skeleton in proplatelet and platelet production in murine megakaryocytes. Electron microscopy revealed that, like circulating platelets, proplatelets have a dense membrane skeleton, the main fibrous component of which is spectrin. Unlike other cells, megakaryocytes and their progeny express both erythroid and nonerythroid spectrins. Assembly of spectrin into tetramers is required for invaginated membrane system maturation and proplatelet extension, because expression of a spectrin tetramer–disrupting construct in megakaryocytes inhibits both processes. Incorporation of this spectrin-disrupting fragment into a novel permeabilized proplatelet system rapidly destabilizes proplatelets, causing blebbing and swelling. Spectrin tetramers also stabilize the “barbell shapes” of the penultimate stage in platelet production, because addition of the tetramer-disrupting construct converts these barbell shapes to spheres, demonstrating that membrane skeletal continuity maintains the elongated, pre-fission shape. The results of this study provide evidence for a role for spectrin in different steps of megakaryocyte development through its participation in the formation of invaginated membranes and in the maintenance of proplatelet structure.
Predictive factors, microbiology and outcome of patients with parapneumonic effusion
Authors: Falguera M. , Carratalà J. , Bielsa S. , García-Vidal C. , Ruiz-González A. , Chica I. , Gudiol F. , Porcel J.M.
Published: May 2011

We aimed to determine the incidence, clinical consequences and microbiological findings related to the presence of pleural effusion in community-acquired pneumonia, and to identify predictive factors for empyema/complicated parapneumonic effusion.

We analysed 4,715 consecutive patients with community-acquired pneumonia from two acute care hospitals. Patients were classified into three groups: no pleural effusion, uncomplicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema/complicated parapneumonic effusion.

A total of 882 (19%) patients had radiological evidence of pleural fluid, of whom 261 (30%) met criteria for empyema/complicated parapneumonic effusion. The most important event related to the presence of uncomplicated parapneumonic effusion was a longer hospital stay. Relevant clinical and microbiological consequences were associated with empyema/complicated parapneumonic effusion. Five independent baseline characteristics could predict the development of empyema/complicated parapneumonic effusion: age <60 yrs (p=0.012), alcoholism (p=0.002), pleuritic pain (p=0.002), tachycardia >100 beats·min−1(p=0.006) and leukocytosis >15,000 mm−3(p<0.001). A higher incidence of anaerobes and Gram-positive cocci was found in this subgroup of patients.

We conclude that only the development of empyema/complicated parapneumonic effusion carried relevant consequences; this condition should be suspected in the presence of some baseline characteristics and managed by using antimicrobials active against Gram-positive cocci and anaerobes.
Matrix metalloproteinases in acute lung injury: mediators of injury and drivers of repair
Authors: Davey A. , McAuley D.F. , O'Kane C.M.
Published: May 2011

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) comprise a spectrum of acute inflammatory pulmonary oedema resulting in refractory hypoxaemia in the absence of an underlying cardiogenic cause. There are multiple pulmonary and extrapulmonary causes and ALI/ARDS patients are a clinically heterogeneous group with associated high morbidity and mortality.

Inflammatory injury to the alveolar epithelial and endothelial capillary membrane is a central event in the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS, and involves degradation of the basement membrane. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in a wide variety of pulmonary pathologies and are capable of degrading all components of the extracellular matrix including the basement membrane and key non-matrix mediators of lung injury such as chemokines and cell surface receptors.

While many studies implicate MMPs in the injurious process, there are significant gaps in our knowledge of the role of specific proteases at different phases of injury and repair. This article examines the role of MMPs in injury and repair of the alveolar epithelial–endothelial capillary barrier and discusses the potential for MMP modulation in the prevention and treatment of ALI. The need for further mechanistic andin vivostudies to inform appropriate subsequent clinical trials of MMP modulation will be highlighted.
Effect of a nicotine-free inhalator as part of a smoking-cessation programme
Authors: Caponnetto P. , Cibella F. , Mancuso S. , Campagna D. , Arcidiacono G. , Polosa R.
Published: May 2011

Smoking-cessation drugs are inadequate at addressing the behavioural component of tobacco dependence. Nicotine-free inhalators are plastic devices that may provide a coping mechanism for conditioned smoking by replacing some of the rituals associated with smoking gestures. This study assessed the effect of using a nicotine-free inhalator to improve success in a cessation programme.

At baseline, 120 smokers attending a smoking-cessation programme were assessed for their sociodemographic factors, smoking history, depression, physical and behavioural dependence, and motivation. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups, nicotine-free inhalator group (PAIPO; Echos Srl, Milan, Italy)versusreference group.

For the whole sample, no significant difference was found in quit rates at 24 weeks between the PAIPO group and the reference group. However, the quit rate in the PAIPO group (66.7%) was more than three-fold higher than the reference group (19.2%) for those individuals with high Glover–Nilsson Smoking Behavioural Questionnaire (GN-SBQ) scores at baseline. The results of the logistic model analysis indicate that a high GN-SBQ score is a strong independent predictor for successful quitting at 24 weeks (OR 8.88; 95% CI 2.08–37.94) in the PAIPO group.

Nicotine-free inhalators may be beneficial when used in the context of smoking-cessation interventions, particularly for those smokers for whom handling and manipulation of their cigarettes plays an important part in the ritual of smoking.
Role of Rho kinase isoforms in murine allergic airway responses
Authors: Zhu M. , Liu P-Y. , Kasahara D.I. , Williams A.S. , Verbout N.G. , Halayko A.J. , Fedulov A. , Shoji T. , Williams E.S. , Noma K. , Shore S.A. , Liao J.K.
Published: May 2011

Inhibition of Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinases (ROCKs) reduces allergic airway responses in mice. The purpose of this study was to determine the roles of the two ROCK isoforms, ROCK1 and ROCK2, in these responses.

Wildtype (WT) mice and heterozygous ROCK1 and ROCK2 knockout mice (ROCK1+/-and ROCK2+/-, respectively) were sensitised and challenged with ovalbumin. ROCK expression and activation were assessed by western blotting. Airway responsiveness was measured by forced oscillation. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and the lungs were fixed for histological assessment.

Compared with WT mice, ROCK1 and ROCK2 expression were 50% lower in lungs of ROCK1+/-and ROCK2+/-mice, respectively, without changes in the other isoform. In WT lungs, ROCK activation increased after ovalbumin challenge and was sustained for several hours. This activation was reduced in ROCK1+/-and ROCK2+/-lungs. Airway responsiveness was comparable in WT, ROCK1+/-, and ROCK2+/-mice challenged with PBS. Ovalbumin challenge caused airway hyperresponsiveness in WT, but not ROCK1+/-or ROCK2+/-mice. Lavage eosinophils and goblet cell hyperplasia were significantly reduced in ovalbumin-challenged ROCK1+/-and ROCK2+/-versusWT mice. Ovalbumin-induced changes in lavage interleukin-13, interleukin-5 and lymphocytes were also reduced in ROCK1+/-mice.

In conclusion, both ROCK1 and ROCK2 are important in regulating allergic airway responses.
Residue propensities, discrimination and binding site prediction of adenine and guanine phosphates
Authors: Firoz Ahmad , Malik Adeel , Joplin Karl H , Ahmad Zulfiqar , Jha Vivekanand , Ahmad Shandar
Published: May 2011

Background

Adenine and guanine phosphates are involved in a number of biological processes such as cell signaling, metabolism and enzymatic cofactor functions. Binding sites in proteins for these ligands are often detected by looking for a previously known motif by alignment based search. This is likely to miss those where a similar binding site has not been previously characterized and when the binding sites do not follow the rule described by predefined motif. Also, it is intriguing how proteins select between adenine and guanine derivative with high specificity.

Results

Residue preferences for AMP, GMP, ADP, GDP, ATP and GTP have been investigated in details with additional comparison with cyclic variants cAMP and cGMP. We also attempt to predict residues interacting with these nucleotides using information derived from local sequence and evolutionary profiles. Results indicate that subtle differences exist between single residue preferences for specific nucleotides and taking neighbor environment and evolutionary context into account, successful models of their binding site prediction can be developed.

Conclusion

In this work, we explore how single amino acid propensities for these nucleotides play a role in the affinity and specificity of this set of nucleotides. This is expected to be helpful in identifying novel binding sites for adenine and guanine phosphates, especially when a known binding motif is not detectable.
Learning sparse models for a dynamic Bayesian network classifier of protein secondary structure
Authors: Aydin Zafer , Singh Ajit , Bilmes Jeff , Noble William S
Published: May 2011

Background

Protein secondary structure prediction provides insight into protein function and is a valuable preliminary step for predicting the 3D structure of a protein. Dynamic Bayesian networks (DBNs) and support vector machines (SVMs) have been shown to provide state-of-the-art performance in secondary structure prediction. As the size of the protein database grows, it becomes feasible to use a richer model in an effort to capture subtle correlations among the amino acids and the predicted labels. In this context, it is beneficial to derive sparse models that discourage over-fitting and provide biological insight.

Results

In this paper, we first show that we are able to obtain accurate secondary structure predictions. Our per-residue accuracy on a well established and difficult benchmark (CB513) is 80.3%, which is comparable to the state-of-the-art evaluated on this dataset. We then introduce an algorithm for sparsifying the parameters of a DBN. Using this algorithm, we can automatically remove up to 70-95% of the parameters of a DBN while maintaining the same level of predictive accuracy on the SD576 set. At 90% sparsity, we are able to compute predictions three times faster than a fully dense model evaluated on the SD576 set. We also demonstrate, using simulated data, that the algorithm is able to recover true sparse structures with high accuracy, and using real data, that the sparse model identifies known correlation structure (local and non-local) related to different classes of secondary structure elements.

Conclusions

We present a secondary structure prediction method that employs dynamic Bayesian networks and support vector machines. We also introduce an algorithm for sparsifying the parameters of the dynamic Bayesian network. The sparsification approach yields a significant speed-up in generating predictions, and we demonstrate that the amino acid correlations identified by the algorithm correspond to several known features of protein secondary structure. Datasets and source code used in this study are available athttp://noble.gs.washington.edu/proj/pssp.
MK801 attenuates secondary injury in a mouse experimental compression model of spinal cord trauma
Authors: Esposito Emanuela , Paterniti Irene , Mazzon Emanuela , Genovese Tiziana , Galuppo Maria , Meli Rosaria , Bramanti Placido , Cuzzocrea Salvatore
Published: May 2011

Background

Glutamergic excitotoxicity has been shown to play a deleterious role in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of dizocilpine maleate, MK801 (2 mg/Kg, 30 min and 6 hours after injury) in a mice model of SCI. The spinal cord trauma was induced by the application of vascular clips to the dura via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy.

Results

Spinal cord injury in mice resulted in severe trauma characterized by edema, neutrophil infiltration and apoptosis. In this study we clearly demonstrated that administration of MK801 attenuated all inflammatory parameters. In fact 24 hours after injury, the degree of spinal cord inflammation and tissue injury (evaluated as histological score), infiltration of neutrophils, NF-κB activation, iNOS, cytokines levels (TNF-α and IL-1β), neurotrophin expression were markedly reduced by MK801 treatment. Moreover, in a separate set of experiments, we have demonstrated that MK801 treatment significantly improved the recovery of locomotory function.

Conclusions

Blockade of NMDA by MK801 lends support to the potential importance of NMDA antagonists as therapeutic agents in the treatment of acute spinal cord injury.
Systematic review of safety and tolerability of a complex micronutrient formula used in mental health
Authors: Simpson J Steven A , Crawford Susan G , Goldstein Estelle T , Field Catherine , Burgess Ellen , Kaplan Bonnie J
Published: May 2011

Background

Theoretically, consumption of complex, multinutrient formulations of vitamins and minerals should be safe, as most preparations contain primarily the nutrients that have been in the human diet for millennia, and at safe levels as defined by the Dietary Reference Intakes. However, the safety profile of commercial formulae may differ from foods because of the amounts and combinations of nutrients they contain. As these complex formulae are being studied and used clinically with increasing frequency, there is a need for direct evaluation of safety and tolerability.

Methods

All known safety and tolerability data collected on one complex nutrient formula was compiled and evaluated.

Results

Data were assembled from all the known published and unpublished studies for the complex formula with the largest amount of published research in mental health. Biological safety data from 144 children and adults were available from six sources: there were no occurrences of clinically meaningful negative outcomes/effects or abnormal blood tests that could be attributed to toxicity. Adverse event (AE) information from 157 children and adults was available from six studies employing the current version of this formula, and only minor, transitory reports of headache and nausea emerged. Only one of the studies permitted a direct comparison between micronutrient treatment and medication: none of the 88 pediatric and adult participants had any clinically meaningful abnormal laboratory values, but tolerability data in the group treated with micronutrients revealed significantly fewer AEs and less weight gain.

Conclusions

This compilation of safety and tolerability data is reassuring with respect to the broad spectrum approach that employs complex nutrient formulae as a primary treatment.
Weight changes and lifestyle behaviors in women after breast cancer diagnosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yaw Yong Heng , Shariff Zalilah Mohd , Kandiah Mirnalini , Mun Chan Yoke , Yusof Rokiah Mohd , Othman Zabedah , Saibul Nurfaizah , Weay Yong Heng , Hashim Zailina
Published: May 2011

Background

Weight gain rather than weight loss often occurs after breast cancer diagnosis despite breast cancer survivors frequently reported making healthful lifestyle changes. This study describes the prevalence and magnitude of changes in weight before and after breast cancer diagnosis and examines lifestyle behaviors of breast cancer survivors with stable weight, weight gain or weight loss.

Methods

Respondents were 368 women with breast cancer characterized by stages I, II and III. All were recruited from hospitals or breast cancer support groups and had completed conventional treatment. Current weight and height were measured while weight at cancer diagnosis and 1 year before diagnosis were self-reported. Weight change was calculated as the difference between current weight and weight a year preceding breast cancer diagnosis. A 24-hour diet recall and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire assessed dietary intake and physical activity, respectively. Differences in lifestyle behaviors among weight change groups were examined using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA).

Results

Mean weight change from a year preceding diagnosis to study entry was 2.73 kg (95% CI: 1.90-3.55). Most women (63.3%) experienced weight gain rather than weight loss (36.7%) with a higher percentage (47.8%) having at least 5% weight gain (47.8%) rather than weight loss (22%), respectively. Compared to other weight change groups, women in >10% weight gain group had the lowest fruit and vegetable servings (1.58 servings/day; 95% CI: 1.36-1.82) and highest servings of dairy products (0.41 servings/day; 95% CI: 0.30-0.52).

Conclusions

Weight gain was evident in this sample of women after breast cancer diagnosis. Information on magnitude of weight change after breast cancer diagnosis and lifestyle behaviors of breast cancer survivors with varying degrees of weight change could facilitate the development and targeting of effective intervention strategies to achieve healthy weight and optimal health for better survival.
Exploring NMR ensembles of calcium binding proteins: Perspectives to design inhibitors of protein-protein interactions
Authors: Isvoran Adriana , Badel Anne , Craescu Constantin T , Miron Simona , Miteva Maria A
Published: May 2011

Background

Disrupting protein-protein interactions by small organic molecules is nowadays a promising strategy employed to block protein targets involved in different pathologies. However, structural changes occurring at the binding interfaces make difficult drug discovery processes using structure-based drug design/virtual screening approaches. Here we focused on two homologous calcium binding proteins, calmodulin and human centrin 2, involved in different cellular functions via protein-protein interactions, and known to undergo important conformational changes upon ligand binding.

Results

In order to find suitable protein conformations of calmodulin and centrin for further structure-based drug design/virtual screening, we performed in silico structural/energetic analysis and molecular docking of terphenyl (a mimicking alpha-helical molecule known to inhibit protein-protein interactions of calmodulin) into X-ray and NMR ensembles of calmodulin and centrin. We employed several scoring methods in order to find the best protein conformations. Our results show that docking on NMR structures of calmodulin and centrin can be very helpful to take into account conformational changes occurring at protein-protein interfaces.

Conclusions

NMR structures of protein-protein complexes nowadays available could efficiently be exploited for further structure-based drug design/virtual screening processes employed to design small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interactions.
Automated counting for Plasmodium falciparum cytoadherence experiments
Authors: Paton Douglas , Faragher Brian , Mustaffa Khairul MF , Szestak Tadge , Barrett Steve D , Craig Alister G
Published: May 2011

Background

The ability of mature forms ofPlasmodium falciparuminfected erythrocytes to bind to a range of host receptors including those displayed on endothelial cells has been associated with the pathology of this infection. Investigations into this adhesive phenomenon have used protein and cell-based adhesion assays to quantify the ability of infected red blood cells to bind. These adhesion assays tend to have relatively high inherent variability and so require multiple experiments in order to provide good quantitation. This means that investigators doing these experiments must count many fields of adherent parasites, a task that is time-consuming and laborious. To address this issue and to facilitate cytoadherence research, developed automated protocols were developed for counting parasite adhesion.

Methods

Parasite adhesion assays were mainly carried out under static conditions using purified receptors, which is the simplest form of these assays and is translatable to the field. Two different software platforms were used, one commercial (Image Pro-Plus (Media Cybernetics)) and one available in the public domain (ImageSXM) based on the freely available NIH Image software. The adhesion assays were performed and parasite binding quantified using standard manual techniques. Images were also captured using video microscopy and analysed using the two automated systems. The results generated by each system were compared using the Bland and Altman method for assessing the agreement between two methods.

Results

Both automated counting programs showed concordance compared to the 'gold standard' manual counting within the normal range of adhesion seen with these assays, although the ImageSXM technique had some systematic bias. There was some fall-off in accuracy at very high parasite densities, but this can be resolved through good design of the experiments. Cell based assays were also used as inputs to one of the automated systems (ImageSXM) and produced variable, but encouraging, results.

Conclusions

The automated counting programs are an accurate and practical way of quantifying static parasite binding assays to purified proteins. They are less accurate when applied to cell based systems, but can still provide a reasonable level of accuracy to give a semi-quantitative readout.
Chronic kidney disease-related atherosclerosis - proteomic studies of blood plasma
Authors: Luczak Magdalena , Formanowicz Dorota , Pawliczak Elzbieta , Wanic-Kossowska Maria , Wykretowicz Andrzej , Figlerowicz Marek
Published: May 2011

Background

Atherosclerosis is considered the major cause of the dramatic increase in cardiovascular mortality among patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although the close connection between atherosclerosis and kidney dysfunction is undeniable, factors enhancing CKD-mediated plaque formation are still not well recognized.

Results

To increase our knowledge of this process we carried out a comparative proteomic analysis of blood plasma proteins isolated from 75 patients in various stages of renal dysfunction (CKD group), 25 patients with advanced cardiovascular disease (CVD group) and 25 healthy volunteers (HV group). The collected samples were subjected to 2D electrophoresis. Then, individual proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. The comparative analysis involving CKD and HV groups showed a differential accumulation of α-1-microglobulin, apolipoprotein A-IV, γ-fibrinogen and haptoglobin in patients with kidney disease. Exactly the same proteins were identified as differentially expressed when proteomes of CVD patients and HV were compared. However, a direct comparison of CKD and CVD groups revealed significant differences in the accumulation of two proteins: α-1-microglobulin and apolipoprotein A-IV.

Conclusions

The obtained results indicate that at least two processes differentially contribute to the plaque formation in CKD- and CVD-mediated atherosclerosis. It seems that the inflammatory process is more intense in CKD patients. On the other hand, the down- and up-regulation of apolipoprotein A-IV in CVD and CKD groups, respectively, suggests that substantial differences exist in the efficacy of cholesterol transport in both groups of patients.
Social-structural contexts of needle and syringe sharing behaviours of HIV-positive injecting drug users in Manipur, India: a mixed methods investigation
Authors: Chakrapani Venkatesan , Newman Peter A , Shunmugam Murali , Dubrow Robert
Published: May 2011

Background

Few investigations have assessed risk behaviours and social-structural contexts of risk among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Northeast India, where injecting drug use is the major route of HIV transmission. Investigations of risk environments are needed to inform development of effective risk reduction interventions.

Methods

This mixed methods study of HIV-positive IDUs in Manipur included a structured survey (n = 75), two focus groups (n = 17), seven in-depth interviews, and two key informant interviews.

Results

One-third of survey participants reported having shared a needle/syringe in the past 30 days; among these, all the men and about one-third of the women did so with persons of unknown HIV serostatus. A variety of social-structural contextual factors influenced individual risk behaviours: barriers to carrying sterile needles/syringes due to fear of harassment by police and "anti-drug" organizations; lack of sterile needles/syringes in drug dealers' locales; limited access to pharmacy-sold needles/syringes; inadequate coverage by needle and syringe programmes (NSPs); non-availability of sterile needles/syringes in prisons; and withdrawal symptoms superseding concern for health. Some HIV-positive IDUs who shared needles/syringes reported adopting risk reduction strategies: being the 'last receiver' of needles/syringes and not a 'giver;' sharing only with other IDUs they knew to be HIV-positive; and, when a 'giver,' asking other IDUs to wash used needles/syringes with bleach before using.

Conclusions

Effective HIV prevention and care programmes for IDUs in Northeast India may hinge on several enabling contexts: supportive government policy on harm reduction programmes, including in prisons; an end to harassment by the police, army, and anti-drug groups, with education of these entities regarding harm reduction, creation of partnerships with the public health sector, and accountability to government policies that protect IDUs' human rights; adequate and sustained funding for NSPs to cover all IDU populations, including prisoners; and non-discriminatory access by IDUs to affordable needles/syringes in pharmacies.
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients
Authors: Gupta Pawan K , Prabhakar Sudesh , Sharma Suresh , Anand Akshay
Published: May 2011

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and chemokne ligand-2 (CCL2) levels have been examined in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients in Western countries. We measured these values in North Indian ALS patients, since these patients display considerably enhanced survival duration.

Methods

Sporadic ALS patients were included on the basis of El Escorial criteria. VEGF-A and CCL2 levels were analyzed in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 50 ALS patients using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared with normal controls. Their levels were adjusted for possible confounders like cigarette smoking, alcohol and meat consumption.

Results

Contrary to previous studies, VEGF-A was found to be elevated significantly in serum and CSF in ALS patient population studied. We also found an increase in CCL2 levels in CSF of these ALS patients. Serum and CSF from definite ALS revealed higher VEGF-A as compared to probable and possible ALS. CCL2 was unaltered between definite, probable and possible ALS. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed a lack of association of smoking, alcohol and meat consumption with VEGF-A and CCL2 levels.

Conclusions

VEGF-A upregulation may indicate an activation of compensatory responses in ALS which may reflect or in fact account for increased survival of North Indian ALS patients after disease onset. The intrathecal synthesis of CCL2 suggests the involvement of adult neural stem cells and microglial activation in ALS pathogenesis which needs further investigation.