bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive Lesions in Female Harlan Sprague-Dawley Rats Following Two-Year Oral Treatment with Dioxin and Dioxin-like Compounds
Authors: Yoshizawa Katsuhiko , Brix Amy E. , Sells Donald M. , Jokinen Micheal P. , Wyde Michael , Orzech Denis P. , Kissling Grace E. , Walker Nigel J. , Nyska Abraham
Published: October 2009

Results from previously published animal studies suggest that prenatal and postnatal exposure to dioxin and dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) may profoundly affect the reproductive system of both sexes via endocrine disruption. In the present work, we evaluate the toxicity and carcinogenicity of various DLCs, with an emphasis on their effect on the reproductive organs, induced by chronic exposure of female adult Harlan Sprague-Dawley rats. This investigation represents part of an initiative of the National Toxicology Program to determine the relative potency of chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity of polychlorinated dioxins, furans, and biphenyls. For fourteen, thirty-one, or fifty-three weeks or for two years, animals were administered by gavage 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD); 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126); 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF); 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153); 2,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118); a tertiary mixture of TCDD, PCB126, and PeCDF; a binary mixture of PCB126 and 153; or a binary mixture of PCB126 and PCB118.

The ranges of treatment-related changes in the reproductive system included chronic active inflammation in the ovary that occurred in the 1,000 and 3,000 μg/kg core groups (two-year exposure) of PCB153 and in the 300 ng/3,000 μg/kg core group of binary mixture of PCB126 and PCB153. Increases in the incidence of acute and/or chronic active inflammation of the uterus were observed in all dosed groups, including the stop-exposure group (withdrawal after thirty-week exposure) of PeCDF and the 1,000 μg/kg and/or higher group dosed with PCB153. The incidence of cystic endometrial hyperplasia was marginally increased in the 92 PeCDF ng/kg group at two years. The incidence of squamous metaplasia was significantly increased in the 44 ng/kg and higher dose group, including the stop-exposure group. The incidence of uterine squamous cell carcinoma was significantly or marginally increased in the 6 ng/kg core and 100 ng/kg stop-exposure groups of TCDD and in the 300 ng/300 μg/kg core group that received the binary mixture of PCB126 and 153. The incidence of uterine carcinoma was marginally increased in the 92 ng/kg PeCDF group at two years and clearly increased in the 1,000 and 4,600 μg/kg PCB118 core group and the 4,600 μg/kg stop group. In the studies of PCB 126, the tertiary mixture, and the binary mixture of PCB126 and PCB118, no increased incidence of any change occurred in the reproductive systems. The range of changes seen with the different compounds suggests that more than one mechanism may have been involved in promoting the female reproductive pathology.
Regeneration works? Disabled people and area-based urban renewal
Authors: Edwards Claire
Published: October 2009

Disabled people are increasingly being drawn into the UK Labour government’s strategy to address area-based deprivation through projects which focus on employability as a means of tackling social exclusion. This paper draws on a case study of an employment project aimed at young people with learning difficulties funded as part of the Single Regeneration Budget, to explore how such projects operate in the context of area-based renewal, and with what gains, if any, for disabled people. The case study suggests that the perceived contribution of the project — and people with learning difficulties — to the area was as much about social regeneration, as building a local economy through the creation of active workers. Whilst being part of the SRB seemed to offer some opportunities for participation, the parameters of the policy itself — including its spatiality — acted to circumscribe some of the potential linkages with broader area renewal processes and the potential benefits for project participants, thus raising questions about New Labour’s social inclusion agenda.
New Public Management, care and struggles about recognition
Authors: Dahl Hanne Marlene
Published: October 2009

New Public Management (NPM) is usually perceived as a homogeneous discourse. However, when we examine it by looking at micro-politics in municipalities and understand its consequences drawing on the voices of home helpers, the picture is more complex and ambiguous. NPM is seen as disciplining paid public elderly care by limiting and forming the understandings applied through two combined but different logics: a usually dominant logic of details and a usually minor logic of self-governance. The bottom-up study presented here investigates the translation — the understanding and application — of these two logics in two different Danish municipalities that are strategically chosen to illustrate differences along the continuum of NPM translations. It asks which logic the home helpers feel is most dominant and relates the results to feelings of recognition and misrecognition as well as to strategies of resistance. The analysis applies feminist theories of recognition and care, and its findings are based on focus group interviews and feminist discourse analysis.
Adolescent Hopefulness in Tanzania
Authors: Nalkur Priya G.
Published: October 2009

This study compares hope in street youth, former street youth, and school youth (aged 12-18) in Tanzania. Responding to Snyder’s hope theory, the author argues that not only personal agency but also the stability of living context (street, shelter, home) shapes hopefulness. Employing qualitative and quantitative analyses, the author presents a framework that shows considerable differences by youth group in hope conceptualizations. Youth in unstable environments avoid hope to circumvent failure and instead attribute success to luck and other external factors, whereas youth in steadier environments rely on internal resources, seeing themselves as critical agents in engendering hopefulness. Taking youths’ differing living contexts into account, the author proposes a contextual model of hope that consists of “hope instruments,” “hope outcomes,” and “pathways to hopefulness.”
Recovery From Total Hip Replacement Surgery: “It’s Not Just Physical”
Authors: Grant Sheila , St John Winsome , Patterson Elizabeth
Published: October 2009

In this grounded theory study we explored the process of recovery following total hip replacement (THR) surgery from the perspective of the older adult. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 patients aged more than 65 years who had been discharged from hospital for a period of 4 to 6 months following THR surgery. Findings showed that three distinct but interrelated processes constitute the physical, psychological, and social recovery process: reclaiming physical ability, reestablishing roles and relationships, and refocusing self. Intervening conditions affecting the recovery process include comorbid conditions, the personal outlook of the patient, patients’ relationships, and social support. The recovery process can lead to changes in personal and social functioning that patients might not anticipate. Awareness of potential changes will inform patient education and enable clinicians to develop strategies that facilitate THR patients’ return to health.
Protecting Respondent Confidentiality in Qualitative Research
Authors: Kaiser Karen
Published: October 2009

For qualitative researchers, maintaining respondent confidentiality while presenting rich, detailed accounts of social life presents unique challenges. These challenges are not adequately addressed in the literature on research ethics and research methods. Using an example from a study of breast cancer survivors, I argue that by carefully considering the audience for one’s research and by reenvisioning the informed consent process, qualitative researchers can avoid confidentiality dilemmas that might otherwise lead them not to report rich, detailed data.
Designing Effective Projects: Decision Options for Maximizing Learning and Project Success
Authors: Volkema Roger J.
Published: October 2009

In recent years, more and more business schools have introduced team-based projects into their curricula as a means of addressing corporate, small business, and community-service issues while teaching students a variety of project management skills (technical and sociocultural). In designing a project-oriented course, an instructor has a number of options available with respect to project identification, project focus and scope, team size, composition and leadership, course content, content delivery, and student project evaluation. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these various options, as well as the factors that are most likely to moderate an instructor’s choices in seeking to maximize student learning and project success.
Dynamic Agent-Based Model of Hand-Preference Behavior Patterns in the Mouse
Authors: Ribeiro Andre S. , Lloyd-Price Jason , Eales Brenda A. , Biddle Fred G.
Published: October 2009

Using a new agent-based model that mimics the learning process in hand-reaching behavior of individual mice, we show that mouse hand preference is probabilistic, dependent on the environment and prior learning. We quantify the learning capabilities of three inbred strains and show that population distributions of hand preference emerge from the properties of individual mice. The model informs our understanding of gene—environment interactions because it accommodates genotypic differences in learning and memory abilities, and environmental biases. We tuned each strain’s model to match their experimental hand-preference distributions in unbiased worlds and, by comparing simulations and experiments, identified and quantified a constitutive left-bias in hand preference of one strain. The models, tuned for unbiased worlds, match experimental measures in left- and right-biased worlds and in biased worlds after previous training. New measures quantitatively assess this matching, revealing that two strains, previously considered non-learners of hand preference, actually have significant learning ability and we confirm this with new experiments. Model mice match the kinetics of hand-preference learning of one strain and predict the limits of learning. We conclude that genetically evolved hand-preference behavior in mice is inherently probabilistic to provide robustness and allow constant adaptability to ever-changing environments.
Homotopy Analysis Method for Limit Cycle Oscillations of an Airfoil with Cubic Nonlinearities
Authors: Chen Y.M. , Liu J.K.
Published: October 2009

An analytical approximate technique for nonlinear problems, namely the homotopy analysis method, is employed to propose an approach for the aeroelastic system of a two-dimensional airfoil with a cubic nonlinearity. The frequency and amplitude of the limit cycle oscillation are expanded as power series of an embedding parameter. A series of algebraic equations governing the coefficients of the series are then derived. All the equations are linear except the first one. This provides us with a simple iteration scheme to seek high-order approximations. The frequency and amplitude of the limit cycle oscillation are obtained with a high degree of accuracy. It turns out that the frequency is independent of the coefficient of the cubic nonlinearity, and that the amplitude is in inverse proportion to the square root of this coefficient.
Integral Sliding Mode Control with Anti-windup Compensation and its Application to a Power Assist System
Authors: Yokoyama Makoto , Kim Gyu-Nam , Tsuchiya Masahiko
Published: October 2009

In this paper we deal with compensation for controller windup due to actuator saturation in the integral sliding mode control. It is shown that the actuator saturation in the integral sliding mode control causes windup problem similar to the so-called integrator windup, which often takes place in linear control systems with integral action. A simple modification for the switching function is presented in order to reduce the discontinuous component of the control input during saturation. This can be seen as a variable switching function. Furthermore, the proposed anti-windup compensation is applied to a power-assisted manipulator with a single degree of freedom. Simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Crossing the Borders of Identity Politics
Authors: Buikema Rosemarie
Published: October 2009

This text seeks to rethink the relationship between literature and the gendered construction of national boundaries. It does so by proposing a reconsideration of the terms singularity, difference and literariness while analysing two talked-about and best-selling postcolonial novels, Disgrace (1999) by J.M. Coetzee and Agaat (2004) by Marlene van Niekerk.
Explorations, Simulations: Claude Cahun and Self-Identity
Authors: Gravano Viviana
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this article is to construct a critique of some works by the French artist Lucy Schwob, better known as Claude Cahun, who was active between 1910 and 1950. A writer and photographer, Cahun was at first very close to symbolist positions; later she was closer to the surrealist movement. Her work and her life, continually suspended between genders, and between ‘normality’ and ‘deviance’, have so far been analysed mainly through gender studies. This article attempts to restore the inherent complexity of her poetic work and aesthetic. It tries to widen the field of study to deal with the representation of alterity, through reversing the stereotypical representation.
Attributing Human Uniqueness and Human Nature to Cultural Groups: Distinct Forms of Subtle Dehumanization
Authors: Bain Paul , Park Joonha , Kwok Christopher , Haslam Nick
Published: October 2009

Research on subtle dehumanization has focused on the attribution of human uniqueness to groups (infrahumanization), but has not examined another sense of humanness, human nature. Additionally, research has not extended far beyond Western cultures to examine the universality of these forms of dehumanization. Hence, the attribution of both forms of humanness was examined in three cross-cultural studies. Anglo-Australian and ethnic Chinese attributed values and traits (Study 1, N = 200) and emotions (Study 2, N = 151) to Australian and Chinese groups, and rated these characteristics on human uniqueness and human nature. Both studies found evidence of complementary attributions of humanness for Australians, who denied Chinese human nature but attributed them with greater human uniqueness. Chinese denied Australians human uniqueness, but their attributions of human nature varied for traits, values, and emotions. Study 3 ( N = 54) demonstrated similar forms of dehumanization using an implicit method. These results and their implications for dehumanization and prejudice suggest the need to broaden investigation and theory to encompass both forms of humanness, and examine the attribution of both lesser and greater humanness to outgroups.
Of Mice and Men, and Objectified Women: A Terror Management Account of Infrahumanization
Authors: Goldenberg Jamie , Heflick Nathan , Vaes Jeroen , Motyl Matt , Greenberg Jeff
Published: October 2009

This article offers terror management theory (TMT) as a conceptual lens through which the process of infrahumanization can be viewed. TMT suggests that people are threatened by the awareness of their mortal, animal nature, and that by emphasizing their symbolic, cultural—and hence, uniquely human—existence, they can help quell this threat. The article reviews empirical evidence demonstrating that reminders of mortality increase efforts to see the self and in-groups as more uniquely human. In addition, it is posited that, as an ironic consequence of defensive efforts to rid the self and certain others of any connection to animal nature, people are sometimes stripped of their human nature. The study presents evidence that the objectification, and self-objectification, of women can be viewed from this perspective and concludes that both emphasizing people’s uniquely human qualities and viewing them as objectified symbols can be understood as serving a terror management function.
Categorization of Ambiguous Human/Ape Faces: Protection of Ingroup but Not Outgroup Humanity
Authors: Capozza Dora , Boccato Giulio , Andrighetto Luca , Falvo Rossella
Published: October 2009

In two studies, we tested the hypothesis that categorization of ambiguous human/ape faces depends on group membership: people are inclined to protect ingroup humanity, but not that of the outgroup. We used as stimuli: human, ape, ambiguous human/ape faces. Ambiguous human/ape faces were generated using a computerized morphing procedure. Participants categorized stimuli as human or ape. Two conditions were introduced: in the ingroup condition, participants were informed that human exemplars were ingroup members, in the outgroup condition that they were outgroup members. We expected participants, in an effort to protect ingroup humanity, to categorize ambiguous stimuli as ape more often in the ingroup than outgroup condition. Predictions were confirmed. Results are discussed in the context of infrahumanization theory.
Biochemical hypogonadism in men with type 2 diabetes in primary care practice
Authors: Hackett Geoffrey I , Cole Nigel S , Deshpande Arup A , Popple Mark D , Kennedy David , Wilkinson Peter
Published: October 2009

Objective:

This study explores the links between testosterone deficiency and Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) parameters in three south Staffordshire practices prior to a major double-blind placebo-controlled intervention study. Research design and methods:

Four hundred and eighty-eight consecutive type 2 diabetic patients, aged over 18, attending their general practitioner for routine diabetes visits were assessed for sex hormone binding globulin, total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (FT) and bioavailable testosterone, glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, Sexual Health Inventory for Men, and current and past prescriptions for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Results:

TT and FT were significantly inversely associated with raised body mass index, waist circumference and HbA1C. The prevalence of ED was 77%, which was associated with low levels of TT, FT and raised HbA1C. Only 10% were receiving treatment for ED.

Conclusions:

Patients with low testosterone were more likely to fall outside the QOF targets and new markers might be difficult to achieve unless low testosterone is addressed. There is a strong case for the inclusion of TT and FT estimation in routine diabetic care.
Review: Diabetes and pregnancy: a review of pathology
Authors: Evans Margaret J
Published: October 2009

Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with increased foetal morbidity and mortality. This article describes and reviews specific features of the placenta and the foetal anomalies seen in association with diabetes and briefly considers potential underlying mechanisms.
Methods for the Cultural Adaptation of a Diabetes Lifestyle Intervention for Latinas: An Illustrative Project
Authors: Osuna Diego , Barrera Manuel , Strycker Lisa A. , Toobert Deborah J. , Glasgow Russell E. , Geno Cristy R. , Almeida Fabio , Perdomo Malena , King Diane , Tinley Doty Alyssa
Published: October 2009

Because Latinas experience a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes and its complications, there is an urgent need to reach them with interventions that promote healthful lifestyles. This article illustrates a sequential approach that took an effective multiple-risk-factor behavior-change program and adapted it for Latinas with type 2 diabetes. Adaptation stages include (a) information gathering from literature and focus groups, (b) preliminary adaptation design, and (c) preliminary adaptation test. In this third stage, a pilot study finds that participants were highly satisfied with the intervention and showed improvement across diverse outcomes. Key implications for applications include the importance of a model for guiding cultural adaptations, and the value of procedures for obtaining continuous feedback from staff and participants during the preliminary adaptation test.
To Track or Not to Track
Authors: Venzant Chambers Terah Talei , Shawn Huggins Kristin , Scheurich James Joseph
Published: October 2009

This article explores tracking and its effect on African American students at Highview High School, a racially and socioeconomically diverse, first-ring suburban school. Mary Johnson, a White assistant principal, is troubled by the existence of racially identifiable course enrollment patterns and knows that meaningful change will only occur if a plan is created that appeals to everyone. The question remains: Should tracking continue in some form or be abolished completely? This study enables students to understand the implications of informal policies on various student populations and design comprehensive intervention strategies to address stratification due to tracking in their own schools.
Teacher with a Learning Disability
Authors: Clayton Jennifer K.
Published: October 2009

This case study focuses on a teacher who discloses a learning disability to her Principal. Given the teacher’s challenges in retention of her content material, the district is faced with how to handle the personnel situation of an employee with a disability. This case raises questions of how to balance the needs and interests of students with the employee’s rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The Case of Tommy Skinner and the Ubiquitous Two-Way
Authors: Hobson Horton Lisa D. , Johnson Leslie
Published: October 2009

This case scenario addresses allowing electronic devices in schools as well as how districts can establish acceptable use policies. The dynamics of the case illustrate how various stakeholders conceptualize and view building management and facilitate a desired school climate and culture. The case is designed to prompt students’ thinking about (a) how district policy development or a lack thereof affects local building administration, (b) the impacts of climate and culture on schools, (c) the outcome of principal and assistant principal relationships in leading and managing schools, and (d) the development of policies that address technology.
Subungual glomus tumours of the hand: diagnosis and outcome of the transungual approach
Authors: LEE I. J. , PARK D. H. , PARK M. C. , PAE N. S.
Published: October 2009

We report 17 patients with a subungual glomus tumour. All complained of pain and tenderness when touched, and nine patients experienced severe pain in the cold. A transungual approach with nail plate avulsion on one side was used in all cases. A surgical microscope was used to localise and dissect the tumour and to repair the nail bed and matrix. This method has produced good results, without local recurrence or postoperative nail plate deformity.
Simultaneous pedicled flaps for coverage of complex blast injuries to the forearm and hand (with supplemental external fixation to the iliac crest for immobilization)
Authors: Tintle S. M. , Wilson K. , McKay P. L. , Andersen R. C. , Kumar A. R.
Published: October 2009

The technique of two simultaneous pedicled flaps to a single extremity has recently proven useful in the care of war-injured military personnel. We present two cases of combat-injured Marines who underwent upper extremity reconstruction using simultaneous pedicled flaps. These cases illustrate a simple and successful alternative to free tissue transfer in providing coverage to complex soft tissue defects of the hand and forearm. Good outcomes were obtained in circumstances where free tissue transfer was not indicated.
Four corner arthrodesis limited to the centre using a scaphoid one piece graft and a dorsal circular plate
Authors: Mantovani G. , Mathoulin C. , Fukushima W. Y. , Cho A. B. , Aita M. A. , Argintar E.
Published: October 2009

We present 20 patients, who had a four corner arthrodesis, from July 2006 to March 2008, using a dorsal circular plate, to treat scaphoid nonunion and scapholunate dissociation with advanced collapse (SNAC, SLAC). The surgical technique was a fusion restricted to the central area filled with one piece of cancellous bone graft taken from the excised scaphoid. Wrist motion, grip strength, and Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score improved after surgery at a mean follow-up of 20.2 months. Fusion occurred in 19/20 patients. Two patients (10%) had persistent pain. The rest had a good clinical result. We found that four-corner fusion using a dorsal circular plate using the specific technical modifications was successful.
Effect of process conditions on superplastic forming behaviour in Ti–6Al–4V friction stir welds
Authors: Edwards P. , Ramulu M.
Published: October 2009

Friction stir welding of Ti–6Al–4V was performed on 5 mm thickness sheet. Wide ranges of processing conditions were tested, and an experimentally determined process window was established for this given material, thickness and tooling configuration. Welds made within this process window were also superplastically formed. It was found that the weld parameters influence joint quality in terms of microstructure, penetration and void formation in addition to process traits such as loads and tool wear. Furthermore, since the microstructure of the weld could be altered with the welding parameters, the degree of superplasticity in the joints could also be controlled. Finally, experimental observations were compared to a proposed analytic process model in an attempt to establish trends between the weld characteristics and the welding conditions used. Reasonable correlations were observed between the analytic model and experimental results.
Metallurgical and mechanical investigations of aluminium-steel butt joint made by tungsten inert gas welding–brazing
Authors: Lin S. B. , Song J. L. , Yang C. L. , Ma G. C.
Published: October 2009

Dissimilar metals of 5A06 aluminium alloy and SUS321 stainless steel were butt joined by tungsten inert gas welding–brazing with BJ380A filler metal and modified non-corrosive flux. The interface in seam/steel is made up of two kinds of intermetallic phase layers, τ 5-Al7Fe2Si phase in the seam side and θ-FeAl3 phase in the steel side. The granular phase in welded seam is CuAl2, and the lath shaped phase is τ 6-Al5FeSi. In the fusion area, the chainlike phase is Al–Si eutectic structure, and the block-like phase is Al6(Fe,Mn). The tensile strength of the butt joint reaches 125 MPa, and fracture occurs at τ 5-layer, with highest hardness value of 950 HV. The present joint without coated layer can reach the same level to those with coated layer.
New technological methods and designs of stir head in resistance friction stir welding
Authors: Luo J. , Wang X. J. , Wang J. X.
Published: October 2009

This paper proposes a new welding method, resistance friction stir welding (RFSW), which provides a novel method to solve some of the challenges of friction stir welding high melting point of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The RFSW is a new hybrid welding technology, which utilises the advantages of both resistance welding and friction welding. The technological principle of RFSW uses the compound effects of resistance heating and friction heating; the integration methods are discussed and analysed in this paper. It is believed that RFSW is an innovative, practical welding technique. The national patents for invention have already been applied in China.
Solidification structure in Ti–5Ta–1·8Nb weld
Authors: Karthikeyan T. , Dasgupta A. , Saroja S. , Vijayalakshmi M.
Published: October 2009

Solidification structure of a weld in a manual gas tungsten arc welding of 3 mm thick Ti–5Ta–1·8Nb plates has been examined using optical/scanning electron microscopy, EDX spectroscopy and electron backscattered diffraction techniques. The weld exhibited columnar grains of prior β, with a substructure of martensitic α′. The backscattered electron image revealed the solidification mode to be cellular–dendritic, and the EDX analysis confirmed the partitioning of Ta atoms between the dendrites. The crystal orientation of the product α′ obtained by electron backscattered diffraction and the Burgers orientation relationship (for β→ α′ transformation) were used to predict the orientation of parent β grains in the weld zone, and the long dendritic arms were found to be aligned parallel to β<100>. Analytical solution based on Rosenthal equation was used to calculate the temperature cycle of the welding process. The solidification mode predicted from calculated G/ R ratio (where G is solidification gradient and R is rate of solidification) and Kurz–Fischer map matched with the observed cellular–dendritic solidification structure.
Phase 1/2 study of lumiliximab combined with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Byrd John C. , Kipps Thomas J. , Flinn Ian W. , Castro Januaro , Lin Thomas S. , Wierda William , Heerema Nyla , Woodworth James , Hughes Steve , Tangri Shabnam , Harris Sarah , Wynne Dee , Molina Arturo , Leigh Bryan , O'Brien Susan
Published: October 2009

Preclinical data demonstrate enhanced antitumor effect when lumiliximab, an anti-CD23 monoclonal antibody, is combined with fludarabine or rituximab. Clinical data from a phase 1 trial with lumiliximab demonstrated an acceptable toxicity profile in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We therefore pursued a phase 1/2 dose-escalation study of lumiliximab added to fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) in previously treated CLL patients. Thirty-one patients received either 375 mg/m2 (n = 3) or 500 mg/m2 (n = 28) of lumiliximab in combination with FCR for 6 cycles. The toxicity profile was similar to that previously reported for FCR in treatment of relapsed CLL. The overall response rate was 65%, with 52% of patients achieving a complete response (CR), which compares favorably with the CR rate previously reported for the FCR regimen alone in relapsed CLL. The estimated median progression-free survival for all responders was 28.7 months. The addition of lumiliximab to FCR therapy is feasible, achieves a high CR rate, and does not appear to enhance toxicity in previously treated patients with CLL. A randomized trial comparing lumiliximab plus FCR with FCR alone is underway to define the benefit of this combination in relapsed CLL. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00103558.
Investigation of innate immunity genes CARD4, CARD8 and CARD15 as germline susceptibility factors for colorectal cancer
Authors: Möckelmann Nikolaus , von Schönfels Witigo , Buch Stephan , von Kampen Oliver , Sipos Bence , Egberts Jan Hendrik , Rosenstiel Philip , Franke Andre , Brosch Mario , Hinz Sebastian , Röder Christian , Kalthoff Holger , Fölsch Ulrich R , Krawczak Michael , Schreiber Stefan , Bröring Clemens Dieter , Tepel Jürgen , Schafmayer Clemens , Hampe Jochen
Published: October 2009

Background

Variation in genes involved in the innate immune response may play a role in the predisposition to colorectal cancer (CRC). Several polymorphisms of theCARD15gene (caspase activating recruitment domain, member 15) have been reported to be associated with an increased susceptibility to Crohn disease. Since theCARD15gene product and other CARD proteins function in innate immunity, we investigated the impact of germline variation at theCARD4,CARD8andCARD15loci on the risk for sporadic CRC, using a large patient sample from Northern Germany.

Methods

A total of 1044 patients who had been operated with sporadic colorectal carcinoma (median age at diagnosis: 59 years) were recruited and compared to 724 sex-matched, population-based control individuals (median age: 68 years). Genetic investigation was carried out following both a coding SNP and haplotype tagging approach. Subgroup analyses for N = 143 patients with early manifestation of CRC (≤50 age at diagnosis) were performed for allCARDloci and subgroup analyses for diverse age strata were carried out forCARD15mutations R702W, G908R and L1007fs. In addition, all SNPs were tested for association with disease presentation and family history of CRC.

Results

No significant differences were observed between the patient and control allelic or haplotypic spectra of the three genes under study for the total cohort (N = 1044 patients). None of the analysed SNPs was significantly associated with either tumour location or yielded significant association in the familial or non-familial CRC patient subgroups. However, in a patient subgroup (≤45 age at diagnosis) with early disease manifestation the mutant allele ofCARD15R702W was found to be significantly associated with disease susceptibility (9.7% in casesvs4.6% in controls; Pallelic= 0.008, Pgenotypic= 0.0008, ORallelic= 2.22 (1.21-4.05) ORressessive= 21.9 (1.96-245.4).

Conclusion

Variation in the innate immunity genesCARD4,CARD8andCARD15is unlikely to play a major role in the susceptibility to CRC in the German population. But, we report a significant disease contribution ofCARD15for CRC patients with very early disease manifestation, mainly driven by variant R702W.
Chronic disease prevalence and care among the elderly in urban and rural Beijing, China - a 10/66 Dementia Research Group cross-sectional survey
Authors: Liu Zhaorui , Albanese Emiliano , Li Shuran , Huang Yueqin , Ferri Cleusa P , Yan Fang , Sousa Renata , Dang Weimin , Prince Martin
Published: October 2009

Background

Demographic ageing is occurring at an unprecedented rate in China. Chronic diseases and their disabling consequences will become much more common. Public policy has a strong urban bias, and older people living in rural areas may be especially vulnerable due to limited access to good quality healthcare, and low pension coverage. We aim to compare the sociodemographic and health characteristics, health service utilization, needs for care and informal care arrangements of representative samples of older people in two Beijing communities, urban Xicheng and rural Daxing.

Methods

A one-phase cross-sectional survey of all those aged 65 years and over was conducted in urban and rural catchment areas in Beijing, China. Assessments included questionnaires, a clinical interview, physical examination, and an informant interview. Prevalence of chronic diseases, self-reported impairments and risk behaviours was calculated adjusting for household clustering. Poisson working models were used to estimate the independent effect of rural versus urban residence, and to explore the predictors of health services utilization.

Results

We interviewed 1002 participants in rural Daxing, and 1160 in urban Xicheng. Those in Daxing were more likely to be younger, widowed, less educated, not receiving a pension, and reliant on family transfers. Chronic diseases were more common in Xicheng, when based on self-report rather than clinical assessment. Risk exposures were more common in Daxing. Rural older people were much less likely to access health services, controlling for age and health. Community health services were ineffective, particularly in Daxing, where fewer than 3% of those with hypertension were adequately controlled. In Daxing, care was provided by family, who had often given up work to do so. In Xicheng, 45% of those needing care were supported by paid caregivers. Caregiver strain was higher in Xicheng. Dementia was strongly associated with care needs and caregiver strain, but not with medical helpseeking.

Conclusion

Apparent better health in Daxing might be explained by under-diagnosis, under-reporting or selective mortality. Far-reaching structural reforms may be needed to improve access and strengthen rural healthcare. The impact of social and economic change is already apparent in Xicheng, with important implications for future long-term care.
Mitomycin C induces bystander killing in homogeneous and heterogeneous hepatoma cellular models
Authors: Kumari Ratna , Sharma Aanchal , Ajay Amrendra Kumar , Bhat Manoj Kumar
Published: October 2009

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide that is particularly refractory to chemotherapy. Several studies have proposed combination chemotherapy regimen for HCC treatment. However, these therapies are not effective in regressing tumor and prolonging survival of patient's suffering from HCC. Therefore, the development of more effective therapeutic tools and new strategies for the treatment of HCC are urgently needed. Over the last decade much attention has been focused on "bystander effect" as a possible therapeutic strategy for the treatment of certain human tumors. Interest in this therapeutic approach originated from numerous reports describing the radiation induced bystander effect. However, the knowledge about chemotherapy induced bystander effect is still limited. Hence, chemotherapy induced bystander phenomenon in hepatoma cells was explored by utilizing Mitomycin C (MMC).

Results

MMC induced bystander killing was observed only in hepatoma cells and it did not occur in cervical cancer cells. MMC induced bystander killing was transferable via medium. It occurred in co-cultured cells indicating the involvement of secreted as well as membrane bound factors. FasL and TRAIL were detected in the conditioned medium from treated cells. In medium transfer experiment, pre-treatment with EDTA (a broad range protease inhibitor) diminished MMC induced bystander killing. Following drug exposure, expression of Fas and TRAIL receptors increased and treatment with neutralizing antibodies against FasL and TRAIL inhibited bystander killing.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the therapeutic importance of MMC in the treatment of HCC and implicate role of membrane bound and secreted forms of FasL and TRAIL in MMC induced bystander killing.
Tissue Doppler Imaging can be useful to distinguish pathological from physiological left ventricular hypertrophy: a study in master athletes and mild hypertensive subjects
Authors: Galanti Giorgio , Toncelli Loira , Del Furia Francesca , Stefani Laura , Cappelli Brunello , De Luca Alessio , Vono Maria Concetta Roberta
Published: October 2009

Background

Transthoracic echocardiography left ventricular wall thickness is often increased in master athletes and it results by intense physical training. Left Ventricular Hypertrophy can also be due to a constant pressure overload. Conventional Pulsed Wave (PW) Doppler analysis of diastolic function sometimes fails to distinguish physiological from pathological LVH.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of Pulsed Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging in differentiating pathological from physiological LVH in the middle-aged population.

Methods

we selected a group of 80 master athletes, a group of 80 sedentary subjects with essential hypertension and an apparent normal diastolic function at standard PW Doppler analysis. The two groups were comparable for increased left ventricular wall thickness and mass index (134.4 ± 19.7 vs 134.5 ± 22.1 gr/m2; p > .05). Diastolic function indexes using the PW technique were in the normal range for both.

Results

Pulsed Wave TDI study of diastolic function immediately distinguished the two groups. While in master athletes the diastolic TDI-derived parameters remained within normal range (E' 9.4 ± 3.1 cm/sec; E/E' 7.8 ± 2.1), in the hypertensive group these parameters were found to be constantly altered, with mean values and variation ranges always outside normal validated limits (E' 7.2 ± 2.4 cm/sec; E/E' 10.6 ± 3.2), and with E' and E/E' statistically different in the two groups (p < .001).

Conclusion

Our study showed that the TDI technique can be an easy and validated method to assess diastolic function in differentiating normal from pseudonormal diastolic patterns and it can distinguish physiological from pathological LVH emphasizing the eligibility certification required by legal medical legislation as in Italy.
Understanding the Scourge of HIV/AIDS in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Inungu Joseph , Karl Sarah
Published: October 2009

Sub‐Saharan Africa is the part of the world that has been hit hardest by the HIV epidemic. To fight the spread of HIV in the continent, it is necessary to know and effectively address the factors that drive the spread of HIV. The purpose of this article is to review the factors associated with the spread of the HIV epidemic in sub‐Saharan Africa and to propose 6 essential activities, which we refer to by the acronym “ESCAPER,” to help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Pivotal Advance: Glycyrrhizin restores the impaired production of β-defensins in tissues surrounding the burn area and improves the resistance of burn mice toPseudomonas aeruginosawound infection
Authors: Yoshida Tsuyoshi , Yoshida Shohei , Kobayashi Makiko , Herndon David N , Suzuki Fujio
Published: October 2009

Glycyrrhizin improves the resistance of burn mice to Pseudomonas aeruginosa burn wound infection through inhibiting IL-10 and/or CCL2 production by Gr-1+ CD11b+ cells.

The decreased production of antimicrobial peptides in tissues surrounding the burn sites has been described in patients with severe burn injury. Small numbers of Pseudomonas aeruginosa spread easily to the whole body of burn mice when infected at burn site tissues. Gr-1+CD11b+ cells, demonstrated in tissues surrounding the burn site, are inhibitory on the production of antimicrobial peptides by EK. In this paper, the decreased production of antimicrobial peptides by EK influenced by Gr-1+CD11b+ cells was shown to be restored by glycyrrhizin. CCL2 and IL-10 were determined to be effector soluble factors for the suppressor activities of Gr-1+CD11b+ cells on antimicrobial peptide production by EK. However, Gr-1+CD11b+ cells, which were treated previously with glycyrrhizin, did not produce these soluble factors. Also, sepsis stemming from P. aeruginosa burn-site infection was not demonstrated in burn mice treated with glycyrrhizin. These results suggest that through the improved production of antimicrobial peptides in tissues surrounding the burn area, sepsis stemming from P. aeruginosa wound infection is controllable by glycyrrhizin in severely burned mice.
KazrinE is a desmosome-associated liprin that colocalises with acetylated microtubules
Authors: Nachat Rachida , Cipolat Sara , Sevilla Lisa M. , Chhatriwala Mariya , Groot Karen R. , Watt Fiona M.
Published: October 2009

Kazrin is a widely expressed, evolutionarily conserved cytoplasmic protein that binds the cytolinker protein periplakin. Multiple functions of kazrin have been reported, including regulation of desmosome assembly, embryonic tissue morphogenesis and epidermal differentiation. Here, we identify kazrinE as a kazrin isoform that contains a liprin-homology domain (LHD) and forms complexes with kazrinA, kazrinB and kazrinC. As predicted from the presence of the LHD, kazrinE can associate with the leukocyte common antigen-related (LAR) protein tyrosine phosphatase in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. When overexpressed in epidermal keratinocytes, kazrinE induces changes in cell shape and stimulates terminal differentiation. Like the other kazrin isoforms, kazrinE localises to the nucleus and desmosomes. However, in addition, kazrinE associates with stabilised microtubules via its LHD. During terminal differentiation, the keratinocyte microtubule network undergoes extensive reorganisation; in differentiating keratinocytes, endogenous kazrinE colocalises with microtubules, but periplakin does not. We speculate that the kazrinE-microtubule interaction contributes to the mechanism by which kazrin regulates desmosome formation and epidermal differentiation.
Space-based geoengineering: Challenges and requirements
Authors: McInnes C R
Published: October 2009

The prospect of engineering the Earth's climate (geoengineering) raises a multitude of issues associated with climatology, engineering on macroscopic scales, and indeed the ethics of such ventures. Depending on personal views, such large-scale engineering is either an obvious necessity for the deep future, or yet another example of human conceit. In this article a simple climate model will be used to estimate requirements for engineering the Earth's climate, principally using space-based geoengineering. Active cooling of the climate to mitigate anthropogenic climate change due to a doubling of the carbon dioxide concentration in the Earth's atmosphere is considered. This representative scenario will allow the scale of the engineering challenge to be determined. It will be argued that simple occulting discs at the interior Lagrange point may represent a less complex solution than concepts for highly engineered refracting discs proposed recently. While engineering on macroscopic scales can appear formidable, emerging capabilities may allow such ventures to be seriously considered in the long term. This article is not an exhaustive review of geoengineering, but aims to provide a foretaste of the future opportunities, challenges, and requirements for space-based geoengineering ventures.
Estimation of the performance of turbocharger compressors at extremely low pressure ratios
Authors: Casey M V , Schlegel M
Published: October 2009

Constant speed lines on turbocharger compressor performance maps usually have no test data at low pressure ratio and high flow. The engine, however, can force the turbocharger compressor to operate in this region and whole-engine simulation systems need to extend the test data in some way to include this region of the map. A physically based method of estimating the performance at low pressure ratios from measurements made in the rest of the map has been developed and is described in this article. The method requires no detailed geometrical information on the impeller and the stage but extracts the necessary information from the test data available; hence it can be applied to any measured compressor data.

The test data over the measured range of speed and flow are used to estimate the work transfer and loss characteristics of the impeller, and the impeller throat area. The Euler equation justifies a linear extrapolation of the work input to higher outlet flow and a new technique based on the density ratio is used to extrapolate the losses. This accounts for choking at the impeller inlet in a similar way to choking at a one-dimensional duct of varying area, where losses are also a function of density ratio. The stage performance at low pressure ratios can then be obtained by recombining the extrapolated loss and work characteristics at higher flows. The method allows the measured performance map to be extrapolated to low pressure ratios on a sound physical basis and to identify physical aspects of the flow in this extreme off-design region, such as the location of increased risk of oil blow-by.
Magneto-rheological valve-integrated cylinder and its application
Authors: Yoshida K , Soga T , Kawachi M , Edamura K , Yokota S
Published: October 2009

This paper presents a novel magneto-rheological (MR) valve-integrated cylinder and its use in manipulator operations. Conventional MR valves are flow channels that have magnetic poles and control MR fluid flow by using the apparent viscosity change created by the application of a magnetic field. The proposed MR cylinder consists of an electromagnet-mounted piston with an annular gap, a cylinder made of magnetic material, and an upstream restriction. The MR valve has an electromagnet which controls the differential pressure of a piston and the output force. The MR cylinder features a simple, compact, and low-cost structure, a long stroke, robustness against dispersed particles, a high output force that is sufficient to drive mechanical systems, and easy force control. Furthermore, in this study, to decrease fluid power loss in pipelines, a novel low base viscosity MR fluid is created by the use of low-density ferrite particles. The basic characteristics of an MR cylinder using the new MR fluid are experimentally evaluated utilizing a fabricated MR cylinder mounted onto a manipulator. Based on these results, optimally designed MR cylinders are mounted onto a manipulator and the basic validity of the system is experimentally confirmed.