bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular Endothelial-Cadherin Stabilizes at Cell–Cell Junctions by Anchoring to Circumferential Actin Bundles through α- and β-Catenins in Cyclic AMP-Epac-Rap1 Signal-activated Endothelial Cells
Authors: Noda Kazuomi , Zhang Jianghui , Fukuhara Shigetomo , Kunimoto Satoshi , Yoshimura Michihiro , Mochizuki Naoki
Published: December 2009

Vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin is a cell–cell adhesion molecule involved in endothelial barrier functions. Previously, we reported that cAMP-Epac-Rap1 signal enhances VE-cadherin–dependent cell adhesion. Here, we further scrutinized how cAMP-Epac-Rap1 pathway promotes stabilization of VE-cadherin at the cell–cell contacts. Forskolin induced circumferential actin bundling and accumulation of VE-cadherin fused with green fluorescence protein (VEC-GFP) on the bundled actin filaments. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analyses using VEC-GFP revealed that forskolin stabilizes VE-cadherin at cell–cell contacts. These effects of forskolin were mimicked by an activator for Epac but not by that for protein kinase A. Forskolin-induced both accumulation and stabilization of junctional VEC-GFP was impeded by latrunculin A. VE-cadherin, α-catenin, and β-catenin were dispensable for forskolin-induced circumferential actin bundling, indicating that homophilic VE-cadherin association is not the trigger of actin bundling. Requirement of α- and β-catenins for forskolin-induced stabilization of VE-cadherin on the actin bundles was confirmed by FRAP analyses using VEC-GFP mutants, supporting the classical model that α-catenin could potentially link the bundled actin to cadherin. Collectively, circumferential actin bundle formation and subsequent linkage between actin bundles and VE-cadherin through α- and β-catenins are important for the stabilization of VE-cadherin at the cell–cell contacts in cAMP-Epac-Rap1 signal-activated cells.
DR-Integrator: a new analytic tool for integrating DNA copy number and gene expression data
Authors: Salari Keyan , Tibshirani Robert , Pollack Jonathan R.
Published: December 2009

Summary: DNA copy number alterations (CNA) frequently underlie gene expression changes by increasing or decreasing gene dosage. However, only a subset of genes with altered dosage exhibit concordant changes in gene expression. This subset is likely to be enriched for oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and can be identified by integrating these two layers of genome-scale data. We introduce DNA/RNA-Integrator (DR-Integrator), a statistical software tool to perform integrative analyses on paired DNA copy number and gene expression data. DR-Integrator identifies genes with significant correlations between DNA copy number and gene expression, and implements a supervised analysis that captures genes with significant alterations in both DNA copy number and gene expression between two sample classes.

Availability: DR-Integrator is freely available for non-commercial use from the Pollack Lab at http://pollacklab.stanford.edu/ and can be downloaded as a plug-in application to Microsoft Excel and as a package for the R statistical computing environment. The R package is available under the name ‘DRI’ at http://cran.r-project.org/. An example analysis using DR-Integrator is included as supplemental material.

Contact:  ksalari@stanford.edu; pollack1@stanford.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
CMDS: a population-based method for identifying recurrent DNA copy number aberrations in cancer from high-resolution data
Authors: Zhang Qunyuan , Ding Li , Larson David E. , Koboldt Daniel C. , McLellan Michael D. , Chen Ken , Shi Xiaoqi , Kraja Aldi , Mardis Elaine R. , Wilson Richard K. , Borecki Ingrid B. , Province Michael A.
Published: December 2009

Motivation: DNA copy number aberration (CNA) is a hallmark of genomic abnormality in tumor cells. Recurrent CNA (RCNA) occurs in multiple cancer samples across the same chromosomal region and has greater implication in tumorigenesis. Current commonly used methods for RCNA identification require CNA calling for individual samples before cross-sample analysis. This two-step strategy may result in a heavy computational burden, as well as a loss of the overall statistical power due to segmentation and discretization of individual sample's data. We propose a population-based approach for RCNA detection with no need of single-sample analysis, which is statistically powerful, computationally efficient and particularly suitable for high-resolution and large-population studies.

Results: Our approach, correlation matrix diagonal segmentation (CMDS), identifies RCNAs based on a between-chromosomal-site correlation analysis. Directly using the raw intensity ratio data from all samples and adopting a diagonal transformation strategy, CMDS substantially reduces computational burden and can obtain results very quickly from large datasets. Our simulation indicates that the statistical power of CMDS is higher than that of single-sample CNA calling based two-step approaches. We applied CMDS to two real datasets of lung cancer and brain cancer from Affymetrix and Illumina array platforms, respectively, and successfully identified known regions of CNA associated with EGFR, KRAS and other important oncogenes. CMDS provides a fast, powerful and easily implemented tool for the RCNA analysis of large-scale data from cancer genomes.

Availability: The R and C programs implementing our method are available at https://dsgweb.wustl.edu/qunyuan/software/cmds.

Contact:  qunyuan@wustl.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Children’s Perspectives on their Economic Activity as a Pathway to Resilience
Authors: Libório Renata Maria Coimbra , Ungar Michael
Published: December 2009

When viewed in the context of children’s physical, social, and economic ecologies, children’s work has both contextually specific benefits and consequences. This paper examines children’s experiences of their economic activity using a theory of resilience as a contextually and culturally embedded phenomenon [British Journal of Social Work, 38 (2008) 218]. Though there is evidence that child labour is a potential threat to children’s well‐being, some forms of children’s work may function as potential sources of health‐enhancing resources associated with resilience, resulting in positive psychosocial development. Working children can find through their working experiences positive sources of efficacy and cohesion, strong identity, feelings of well‐being, positive relationships, and access to material and social capital.
The association of –262C/T polymorphism in the catalase gene and delayed graft function of kidney allografts
Authors: DUTKIEWICZ GRAZYNA , DOMANSKI LESZEK , BINCZAK‐KULETA AGNIESZKA , PAWLIK ANDRZEJ , SAFRANOW KRZYSZTOF , CIECHANOWICZ ANDRZEJ , DZIEDZIEJKO VIOLETTA , CIECHANOWSKI KAZIMIERZ
Published: December 2009

Background:  Catalase is an intracellular antioxidant enzyme that is mainly located in cellular peroxisomes and in the cytosol. This enzyme plays a significant role in the development of tolerance to oxidative stress in the adaptive response of cells and tissues. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the –262C/T polymorphism in the catalase gene and delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection and chronic allograft nephropathy of kidney allografts.

Methods:  One hundred eighty‐seven recipients of first renal transplants were included in the study. The histories of the patients were analysed regarding DGF, acute rejection and chronic allograft nephropathy. The polymorphism –262C/T in the catalase gene was analysed using the polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method.

Results:  The risk of DGF was significantly lower in T allele carriers compared with CC homozygotes: odds ratio = 0.34, 95% confidence interval = 0.17–0.67, P = 0.001. There were no statistically significant associations between the studied polymorphism and acute rejection or chronic allograft nephropathy.

Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest that –262C/T polymorphism in the catalase gene is associated with DGF in kidney allograft recipients.
Parametric quantification of myocardial ischaemia using real‐time perfusion adenosine stress echocardiography images, with SPECT as reference method
Authors: Gudmundsson P. , Shahgaldi K. , Winter R. , Dencker M. , Kitlinski M. , Thorsson O. , Ljunggren L. , Willenheimer R.
Published: December 2009

Background:  Real‐time perfusion (RTP) adenosine stress echocardiography (ASE) can be used to visually evaluate myocardial ischaemia. The RTP power modulation technique, provides images for off‐line parametric perfusion quantification using Qontrast® software. From replenishment curves, this generates parametric images of peak signal intensity (A), myocardial blood flow velocity (β) and myocardial blood flow (Axβ) at rest and stress. This may be a tool for objective myocardial ischaemia evaluation. We assessed myocardial ischaemia by RTP‐ASE Qontrast®‐generated images, using 99mTc‐tetrofosmin single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) as reference.

Methods:  Sixty‐seven patients admitted to SPECT underwent RTP‐ASE (SONOS 5500) during Sonovue® infusion, before and throughout adenosine stress, also used for SPECT. Quantitative off‐line analyses of myocardial perfusion by RTP‐ASE Qontrast®‐generated A, β and Axβ images, at different time points during rest and stress, were blindly compared to SPECT.

Results:  We analysed 201 coronary territories [corresponding to the left anterior descendent (LAD), left circumflex (LCx) and right coronary (RCA) arteries] from 67 patients. SPECT showed ischaemia in 18 patients. Receiver operator characteristics and kappa values showed that A, β and Axβ image interpretation significantly identified ischaemia in all territories (area under the curve 0·66–0·80, P = 0·001–0·05). Combined A, β and Axβ image interpretation gave the best results and the closest agreement was seen in the LAD territory: 89% accuracy; kappa 0·63; P<0·001.

Conclusion:  Myocardial isachemia can be evaluated in the LAD territory using RTP‐ASE Qontrast®‐generated images, especially by combined A, β and Axβ image interpretation. However, the technique needs improvements regarding the LCx and RCA territories.
Clonal Dissemination of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Carbapenemase KPC-3 in Long Beach, California
Authors: Le Jennifer , Castanheira Mariana , Burgess David S. , McKee Barbara , Iqbal Raza , Jones Ronald N.
Published: December 2009

Carbapenems (CARBs) are the primary treatment for infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains. Production of a serine carbapenemase, KPC, is increasing alarmingly in the United States and is probably contributing to CARB resistance rates. We describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of four infections caused by KPC-3
K. pneumoniae
strains.
STRUCTURAL AND RF PROPERTIES OFCo2ZFERRITE FOR ANTENNA SUBSTATE
Authors: KIM JAE-SIK , CHOI EUI-SUN , LEE YOUNG-HIE , RYU KI-WON
Published: December 2009

The sintering behavior and high frequency electro-magnetic properties of Ba3Co2Fe24O41ceramics were investigated for the small antenna application. All samples of the Ba3Co2Fe24O41ceramics were prepared by the solid-state reaction method and sintered at 1150°C 1400°C. From the XRD patterns of calcined Ba3Co2Fe24O41powders, the most suitable condition for calcining was 600°C–1000°C. Ba3Co2Fe24O41phase was observed in sintered Ba3Co2Fe24O41ceramics as main phase. Bulk densities increased with sintering temperature and decreased at 1400°C. Permittivity and permeability of the Ba3Co2Fe24O41ceramics increased or decreased with sintering temperature, respectively. On the other hand, loss tangent of permittivity and of permeability showed contrary tendency with permittivity and permeability. The permittivity and loss tangent of permittivity of Ba3Co2Fe24O41ceramics sintered at 1300°C were 19.896 and 0.171 at 210 MHz. and the measured value of permeability and loss tangent of permeability were 14.218 and 0.204, respectively.
ELECTROCONDUCTIVE ADHESIVES BASED ON POLYURETHANE WITH MULTIWALLED CARBON NANOTUBES
Authors: KIM YESEUL , CHO SE YOUN , YUN YOUNG SOO , JIN HYOUNG-JOON
Published: December 2009

In the present study, we prepared and characterized electrically conductive adhesives based on polyurethane filled with two kinds of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), viz. pristine MWCNTs and acid treated MWCNTs, respectively. The influence of the type of filler on the dispersibility within the polyurethane matrix and the corresponding electrical conductivity is investigated. The electrical conductivity of the prepared specimens was measured using a four-point probe. The morphology and dispersibility of the fillers were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
MICRO-STRUCTURE AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF Sm-Co ALLOY POWDERS PREPARED BY HIGH ENERGY BALL MILLING
Authors: KIM BO SIK , LEE DU HYUNG , CHANG SI YOUNG
Published: December 2009

Sm -16.7 wt % Co alloy powders were prepared by a high energy ball milling under various milling times, and their micro-structure and magnetic properties were investigated. After 5 h milling, the irregular shaped powders were changed to spherical shape and the size decreased to approximately 5 µm. Based on TEM results, the obtained powders consisted of nano-sized particles with approximately 13 nm, which showed a slight decrease with increasing the milling time. The XRD peaks of powders including the SmCo 5 phase disappeared after milling and became broader with increasing the milling time, and the peaks increased again after 30 h milling. The reduction in coercivity and remanence values appeared with increasing the milling time, whereas the saturated magnetization increased.
ENHANCED 1470 NM EMISSION IN Ag NANOPARTICLES/Tm CO-DOPED ALUMINO-GERMANO-SILICA OPTICAL FIBER
Authors: WATEKAR PRAMOD R. , HAN WON-TAEK , JU SEONGMIN
Published: December 2009

A novel optical fiber co-doped with Ag nanoparticles and Tm -ions was developed for S -band emission. Enhanced emission around 1470 nm was obtained upon pumping at 633 nm by the He - Ne laser.
Progressive histone alterations and proinflammatory gene activation: consequences of heme protein/iron-mediated proximal tubule injury
Authors: Zager Richard A. , Johnson Ali C. M.
Published: December 2009

Rhabdomyolysis (Fe)-induced acute renal failure (ARF) causes renal inflammation, and, with repetitive insults, progressive renal failure can result. To gain insights into these phenomena, we assessed the impact of a single episode of glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis on proinflammatory/profibrotic [TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)] gene expression and the time course of these changes. CD-1 mice were studied 1–7 days after glycerol injection. Normal mice served as controls. RNA polymerase II (Pol II) binding to the TNF-α, MCP-1, and TGF-β1 genes, “gene-activating” histone modifications [histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) trimethylation (H3K4m3) and histone 2 variant H2A.Z], and cognate mRNA levels were assessed. Results were contrasted to changes in anti-inflammatory heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Glycerol produced severe ARF (blood urea nitrogen ∼150–180 mg/dl) followed by marked improvement by day 7 (blood urea nitrogen ∼40 mg/dl). Early increases in TNF-α, MCP-1, and TGF-β1 mRNAs, Pol II gene binding, and H3K4m3/H2A.Z levels were observed. These progressed with time, despite resolution of azotemia. Comparable early HO-1 changes were observed. However, HO-1 mRNA normalized by day 7, and progressive Pol II binding/histone alterations did not occur. Fe-mediated injury to cultured proximal tubule (HK-2) cells recapitulated these in vivo results. Hence, this in vitro model was used for mechanistic assessments. On the basis of these studies, it was determined that 1) the H3K4m3/H2A.Z increases are early events (i.e., they precede mRNA increases), 2) subsequent mRNA elevations reflect transcription, not mRNA stabilization (actinomycin D assessments), and 3) increased transcription, per se, helps sustain elevated H2A.Z levels. We conclude that 1) Fe/glycerol-induced tubular injury causes sustained proinflammatory gene activation, 2) decreasing HO-1 expression, as reflected by mRNA levels, may facilitate this proinflammatory state, and 3) gene-activating histone modifications are early injury events and progressively increase at selected proinflammatory genes. Thus they may help sustain a proinflammatory state, despite resolving ARF.
Lesions of the Auditory Cortex Impair Azimuthal Sound Localization and Its Recalibration in Ferrets
Authors: Nodal Fernando R. , Kacelnik Oliver , Bajo Victoria M. , Bizley Jennifer K. , Moore David R. , King Andrew J.
Published: December 2009

The role of auditory cortex in sound localization and its recalibration by experience was explored by measuring the accuracy with which ferrets turned toward and approached the source of broadband sounds in the horizontal plane. In one group, large bilateral lesions were made of the middle ectosylvian gyrus, where the primary auditory cortical fields are located, and part of the anterior and/or posterior ectosylvian gyrus, which contain higher-level fields. In the second group, the lesions were intended to be confined to primary auditory cortex (A1). The ability of the animals to localize noise bursts of different duration and level was measured before and after the lesions were made. A1 lesions produced a modest disruption of approach-to-target responses to short-duration stimuli (<500 ms) on both sides of space, whereas head orienting accuracy was unaffected. More extensive lesions produced much greater auditory localization deficits, again primarily for shorter sounds. In these ferrets, the accuracy of both the approach-to-target behavior and the orienting responses was impaired, and they could do little more than correctly lateralize the stimuli. Although both groups of ferrets were still able to localize long-duration sounds accurately, they were, in contrast to ferrets with an intact auditory cortex, unable to relearn to localize these stimuli after altering the spatial cues available by reversibly plugging one ear. These results indicate that both primary and nonprimary cortical areas are necessary for normal sound localization, although only higher auditory areas seem to contribute to accurate head orienting behavior. They also show that the auditory cortex, and A1 in particular, plays an essential role in training-induced plasticity in adult ferrets, and that this is the case for both head orienting responses and approach-to-target behavior.
Symptomatic Subdural Hygroma and Hydrocephalus following Chiari I Decompression
Authors: Filis Andreas K. , Moon Karam , Cohen Alan R.
Published: December 2009

Background: The aim of the present case report is to describe an unusual complication of foramen magnum decompression (FMD) for the Chiari 1 hindbrain malformation and its successful management with non-operative measures. Methods: A 2-year-old girl with the Chiari 1 malformation underwent FMD, including suboccipital craniotomy, C1 laminectomy and durotomy without opening the arachnoid. Results: After initial postoperative improvement, the patient deteriorated, developing subdural hygromas and hydrocephalus. These were treated successfully with observation and acetazolamide. Conclusions: Subdural hygromas may complicate FMD. A slit valve opening in the arachnoid might be part of the pathophysiology. While surgical intervention may be necessary in some circumstances, non-operative measures may be effective as well.
A Dialogue in Pictures. Reform Buddhism and Christianity in the Works of Ven. Hatigammana Uttarananda / Sri Lanka
Authors: Küster Volker
Published: December 2009

The monk Ven. Hatigammana Uttarananda represents a reform Buddhism that is socio-politically engaged in the conflict-ridden context of Sri Lanka. As an artist he is the Buddhist alter ego of the well-known Catholic liberation theologian Aloysius Pieris. The later commissioned Uttarananda to realize his first Christian mural in the Tulana Centre for Dialogue. With translation, questioning and exchange Uttananada’s works allow exploring different patterns of interreligious dialogue.
You Have To Say You Cannot Speak: Feminist Reflections Upon Public Theology
Authors: Walton Heather
Published: December 2009

This article reflects upon the problems I experience in finding a methodology for public theology. A number of current models are explored but are not found to resolve the difficulties experienced in articulating a progressive theological contribution to public debate. The article goes on to argue that feminist theology provides helpful resources for provisional, pragmatic and creative theological reflection. However, a more radical critique of the genre of public theology is required in order to speak of God in the contemporary context.
Simone Weil: Resistance and Writing
Authors: Loades Ann
Published: December 2009

Simone Weil lived and wrote as a philosopher, theologian and political theorist, without keeping boundaries between these fields. She remains important, given her reflections on work, violence and non-violence, and the significance of each person’s orientation towards transcendent good. She raised important issues about critical and constructive appreciation of both ancient and current religious tradition, and about sensitive personal conscience and responsibility, especially in both political and ecclesiastical institutions. She refused the restriction of religious conviction to the margins of social and political life. Her work was incomplete, but remains a remarkable source of stimulus for work in a range of disciplines.
Preparation and characterization of visible light sensitive Fe- and Ta-codoped TiO2 photocatalyst
Authors: Kako Tetsuya , Yao Weifeng , Ye Jinhua
Published: December 2009

Titania (TiO2) was modified by codoping of Fe3+ and Ta5+ to absorb visible light. The codoped titania [(Fe,Ta)xTi1–xO2, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1] were prepared by a solid state reaction or by the polymer complex method. With increased codoping, the optical absorption spectra are red-shifted and the color ranges from white to brown via yellow. Also, the codoped titania (0 < x ≤ 0.05) possesses photocatalytic activity for organic decomposition under visible light irradiation. The codoped titania (x = 0.01) with yellow color shows the highest activity among the codoped titania (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) and a higher activity than the 1% Fe3+-doped TiO2 with orange brown color.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI SECTION OF ROUTE 3 AND THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY.
Authors: LLOYD R H
Published: December 2009

Construction of Hong Kong's new airport at Chek Lap Kok has necessitated the design and construction of a major new strategic highway some 34 km long between Hong Kong Island and the airport island on the north west of Lantau Island. Constructed between 1992 and 1997 to a minimum of dual three-lane standards with hard shoulders on each carriageway, the route was opened to traffic in May 1997 just prior to the change of sovereignty from Britain to China. The paper describes the rationale for the design of three of the projects which make up the 34 km route, their major elements and the problems experienced during the construction stage.
Response of Cells to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Han Wei , Ngok Yu Kwan
Published: December 2009

Ionizing radiation is encountered in our natural environment and is also generated and used
by mankind, e.g., for medical uses. A better understanding of the biological effects of ionizing
radiation will lead to better use of and better protection from radiation. In this chapter, the response of
cells to radiation will be described and discussed. Some basic concepts of ionizing radiation will be
briefly given in the beginning. The significant consequences of various types of radiation-induced
DNA damages show that DNA is the principle target for biological effects of radiation. The
misrepaired or unrepaired DNA damages, in particular DNA double strand breaks, will induce
chromosomal aberrations and gene mutations. On the other hand, radiation-induced DNA double
strand breaks play an important role in the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Radiationinduced
bystander response, adaptive response and genomic instability are currently “hot-pots” in the
radiobiological research. These three phenomena indicate the complexity of cellular responses to
radiation, and will be introduced and discussed in this chapter.
Adsorption and Removal Kinetics of Phosphonate from Water Using Natural Adsorbents
Authors: Kumar R. Anil , Velayudhan K. T. , Ramachandran V. , Bhai R. Susheela , Unnikrishnan G. , Vasu K.
Published: December 2009

The removal of phosphonate from water was studied using some natural adsorbents. Potassium phosphonate is a fungicide used for the control of Phytophthora capsici, which is prevalent in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). Batch adsorption kinetic experiments were conducted on the adsorption of phosphonate onto the adsorbents. The concentration of phosphonate was measured on a high‐performance liquid chromatograph fitted with a conductivity detector. The percentage removal of phosphonate by powdered laterite stone (PLS) from water was 40.4%, within a residence time of 15 minutes. The mechanisms of the rate of adsorption were analyzed and compared using the pseudo‐second‐order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion models. The experimental data was found to correlate well with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, indicating adsorption as a chemisorption process. A possible reaction in the phosphonate‐PLS system also has been proposed. The PLS can be used as a low‐cost natural adsorbent for phosphonate removal from water.
Comparative Performance of A2/O and a Novel Membrane‐Bioreactor‐Based Process for Biological Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal
Authors: Kim MinGu , Nakhla George
Published: December 2009

The comparison between a novel membrane bioreactor (MBR) system and a conventional anaerobic‐anoxic‐aerobic (A2/O) system was conducted using synthetic wastewater (SWW) and municipal wastewater (MWW). Each system was operated at an overall hydraulic retention time of 8 hours and solids retention time of 10 days. The MBR exhibited better overall system performance than the A2/O system, in terms of phosphorus removal. Nitrogen removal efficiencies were close in the two systems at 73 to 74% in both runs, while phosphorus removal efficiencies were 96 and 74% (SWW run) and 80 and 75% (MWW run), for the MBR and A2/O, respectively. Effluent soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) was less than 15 mg/L in the two systems during both runs. Phosphorus uptake by denitrifying phosphate‐accumulating organisms accounted for 49% of the total uptake in the MBR compared with 33% in the A2/O during the SWW run. The dynamic test clearly showed that the MBR had better denitrification capacity than the A2/O system. The MWW run indicated that MBR ferments particulate COD better than A2/O. The effect of the intermediate clarifier on MBR phosphorus removal was significant, with phosphorus uptake of 0.16 g/d in the SWW run and phosphorus release of 0.08 g/d in the MWW run, thus enhancing the total phosphorus removal in both cases.
An Environmental Analysis of the Impact of an Accidental Fire in Process Industries
Authors: Hamzi Rachida , Innal Fares , BOURMADA Noureddine , Londiche Henry
Published: December 2009

The models to prevent accidents from occurring in process industry, or to minimize the harm if an accident does take place, always revolve around forecasting the likely accidents and their impacts. Based on the several effects of an accident on the environment, the approach used in this study involves a qualitative analysis by the Environmental Effects Analysis (EEA) combined to Quantitative Risk Assessment approach (QRA). In fact, the EEA, under its current formalism, emphasizes environmental effects in normal operations solely. It does not consider abnormal situations (accidental aspects). In order to overcome this lack, the authors propose an extension of the current formalism of the EEA through the inclusion of accidental events that may occur in each phase of the products life cycle, where from the EEA  Accidental Aspect method. Impacts associated with abnormal situations are identified and assessed in accordance with risk assessment practices. Risk assessment can be both qualitative and quantitative. Nevertheless, whenever possible, we adopt a Quantitative Risk Assessment approach (QRA). The evaluation criteria used in the classical EEA, i.e. Environmental Priority Number (EPN), is redefined to take into account the impacts due to accidental aspects. By doing so, we establish an effective link between methods for assessing environmental impacts and approaches to risk management. The validation of the proposed methodology is made on a storage system with a high potential of fire risk.
An Internet-Based Program to Improve Self-Management in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Mulvaney Shelagh A. , Rothman Russell L. , Wallston Kenneth A. , Lybarger Cindy , Dietrich Mary S.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

To report results from YourWay, an Internet-based self-management intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 72 adolescents with type 1 diabetes, ages 13–17 years, were randomized to a usual-care-plus-Internet support or a usual-care group. The intervention was designed to enhance problem-solving barriers to self-management. A1C was obtained from medical records, and problem-solving and self-management were obtained via adolescent report.

RESULTS

Group differences were not statistically significant using intent-to-treat analyses. Using as-treated analyses, adolescents in the treatment condition showed statistically significant improvement in self-management (d = 0.64; P = 0.02) and important improvements in problem-solving (d = 0.30; P = 0.23) and A1C (d = −0.28; P = 0.27). Mean A1C for the intervention group remained constant (−0.01%), while the control group increased (0.33%).

CONCLUSIONS

This brief trial suggests that self-management support delivered through a secure website may improve self-management and offset typical decreases in adolescent glycemic control.
Recapitulation and Reversal of a Persistent Depression‐like Syndrome in Rodents
Authors: Gourley Shannon L. , Taylor Jane R.
Published: December 2009

Alterations in multiple biological functions, such as transcription factor activity, are implicated in the neurobiology of depression, based primarily on the characterization of antidepressant efficacy in naïve rodents rather than on models that capture the protracted feelings of anhedonia and helplessness that typify depression. This unit presents rat and mouse models of depression that involve chronic oral exposure to the stress‐associated adrenal hormone, corticosterone (CORT), resulting in anhedonic‐ and helplessness‐like behaviors that are persistent yet reversible by chronic antidepressant treatment. Prior CORT exposure also chronically influences molecular targets hypothesized to contribute to negative mood. One example is phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens. Prior chronic CORT exposure provides an alternative method to chronic mild stress models of depression that is easily replicable and persists well beyond the CORT exposure period, thereby modeling the persistent depressive‐like state in humans. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 49:9.32.1‐9.32.11. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors
Authors: Juan Manel , Colobran Roger
Published: December 2009

Chemokines (CKs) are a family of small proteins secreted by a great variety of cell types. Their name (derived from
chemo
attractant cyto
kines
) is due to their ability to induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells. Some CKs are considered pro‐inflammatory and can be induced during an immune response to promote cells of the immune system to a site of infection, whereas others are considered homeostatic and are involved in controlling the migration of cells during normal processes of tissue maintenance or development. CKs are found in all vertebrates, some viruses and some bacteria. These proteins exert their biological effects by interacting with G protein‐linked transmembrane receptors called chemokine receptors (CKRs) that are selectively found on the surfaces of their target cells. CKs play roles in cell maturation and differentiation, infection, autoimmunity, cancer and, in general, in any situation where immune components are involved. Their role in
human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) infection is of special relevance.

Key concepts:

Chemokines (CKs), as chemoattractant cytokines, are pivotal elements for defining immune cell localization and, therefore, efficient immune responses.

Beyond their role in chemotaxis, CKs and their receptors develop several physiopathological functions: angiogenesis, haematopoiesis, growth regulation, embryologic development, evolution of tumours, etc.

CKs have three types of receptors: ‘classical’ G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), decoy receptors and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).

After activation, GPCRs become either partially or totally desensitized to repeated stimulation with the same or other agonists; desensitization is critical for maintaining the capacity of the cell to sense a chemoattractant gradient.

Decoy receptors are ‘silent’ receptors that control the CK activity through regulation of CK levels in the body.

CK immobilization through the GAG interaction stabilizes the formation of CK gradients and enhances their concentration at the site of production.

All CKs have a common structure, being the first couple of cysteines (Cs) a distinctive element that allows classifying them in CC, CXC, CX
3
C and C CK families.

Most of inflammatory CK genes are clustered in two main chromosomal regions: the CXC cluster, located in chromosome 4q12–21, and the CC cluster, located in chromosome 17q11.2.

The ‘evolutionary choice’ of HIV‐1 to exploit CKRs as cellular entry gateways has turned their CK ligands into endogenous antiviral factors that can variably modulate viral transmission, disease progression and vaccine responses.
Orbiviruses andBluetongue Virus
Authors: Mertens Peter , Attoui Houssam
Published: December 2009

Bluetongue virus(BTV) is the type species of the genusOrbiviruswithin the familyReoviridae(the largest double‐strandedribonucleic acid(dsRNA) virus family). BTV is an arthropod‐borne pathogen that is transmitted by the bites of its vector, theCulicoidesmidges, which transmit the virus between its ruminant hosts. The virus can infect most species of domestic and wild ruminants. BT clinical signs are most common in sheep and some species of deer. In recent years, the distribution of BTV has changed considerably, particularly in Europe. New outbreaks have occurred each year from 1998 to 2006 in southern and central Europe, involving several strains from five different serotypes. In 2006, BTV serotype 8 caused an outbreak approximately 5° further north in Europe than ever before, infecting ruminants in a wide area across northern Europe and bringing the number of European serotypes to six. A new virus (Toggenburg virus) has been identified in goats from Switzerland in 2008 and designated as the twenty‐fifth serotype of BTV.

Key concepts:

GenusOrbivirusis the most diverse genus of familyReoviridaecontaining 22 virus species.

Bluetongue disease affects mainly sheep causing severe clinical signs and high mortality.

Bluetongue virusis transmitted by competent species ofCulicoidesmidges.

Phylogenetic analysis identifies two major groups of orbiviruses, those with their subcore shell protein (T2 protein) being the VP2 and those with the T2 being VP3. Orbiviruses are nonturreted members of familyReoviridae, and the atomic structure of BTV core has been determined.
Hypersensitivity:TLymphocyte‐mediated (TypeIV)
Authors: Actor Jeffrey K , Ampel Neil M
Published: December 2009

Five types of hypersensitivity reactions have been described: types I, II, III and V depend on the interaction of antigen with antibody and have been termed immediate; type IV depends on the interaction of antigen with T lymphocytes and has been called delayed‐type hypersensitivity, or DTH. The DTH reaction involves cellular activation of T‐helper cells (CD4+) and/or cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ CTLs). Subsequent cytokine secretion gives rise to distinct pathologies. In many cases, sustained release of antigen and continued activation of sensitized T cells results in amplification of responses that provoke excessive macrophage activation. These events are the basis for development of a broad range of inflammatory pathologies which range from erythema and oedema to granuloma formation, to extended development of fibrosis and even tissue necrosis.

Key Concepts:

Type IV hypersensitivity (also calleddelayed‐type hypersensitivity, DTH) represents immune reactivity where lymphocytes have had prior encounter with antigen.

The DTH is conferred by sensitized T lymphocytes, but not by serum factors.

The DTH reaction involves T lymphocyte interactions with antigen culminating in cellular recruitment and activation, and subsequent cytokine secretion.

Because the T cell‐mediated responses require induced synthesis of effector molecules they develop more slowly, thus they are termed ‘delayed‐type’ hypersensitive responses.

DTH responses can manifest from contact with allergens or infectious agents, giving rise to localized inflammation, erythema and oedema.

The classical manifestations of DTH are defined as cutaneous (contact), tuberculin or granulomatous hypersensitivity.

The DTH evolved as a protective host mechanism to combat pathogens; however, excessive DTH responses can lead to immunopathology, exhibited by granuloma formation, fibrosis or even tissue necrosis.

DTH reactions are prominent in autoimmune diseases, and have also been demonstrated to play a role in the response to transplantation of tissue from a genetically different donor (allogeneic transplantation).
Lateral Meristems
Authors: Etchells J Peter , Turner Simon
Published: December 2009

Radial growth of plants is the result of activity of the lateral meristems. These meristems, known as the vascular and cork cambiums, are active in areas of the plant where primary growth has ceased and are therefore referred to as secondary meristems. The lateral meristems encircle the body of the plant. They are distinguished from apical meristems, which form the primary body of the plant, in several ways, but most noticeably in the proximity of the lateral meristem to the tissues that they produce. A proper understanding of lateral meristems may be considered as a problem of two parts: (1) how are cell divisions in the meristem regulated and (2) what controls the differentiation of new cells into specialized cell types.

Key Concepts:

Lateral meristems are referred to as the vascular cambium and cork cambium.

Cell divisions in lateral meristems are responsible for increases in plant girth.

Ordered cell divisions along vascular initials are required for organization of lateral meristems.

Plant growth regulators like auxin, cytokinin and ethylene increase cambial activity.
Infections in the Secondary Immunocompromised Host
Authors: Elizabeth Snape Susan , Venkatesan Pradhib
Published: December 2009

Deficiency in host defences allows infections to occur with greater frequency. Their nature and presentation may be unusual and hence diagnosis may be difficult. The type, severity and duration of immunocompromise determine the infections to which the host is vulnerable. Unlike in primary immunocompromised patients, the susceptibility of secondary immunocompromised patients to infection often changes during the course of their illness as their immune function may vary with the use of immunosuppressive drugs or highly active antiretroviral agents prescribed for those with human immunodeficiency virus. This article highlights the timing of host susceptibility to specific infections in relation to the course of their illness and treatment. Growing numbers of immunocompromised patients make this a key area for those involved in managing infections. A number of strategies are employed to combat the infectious threat ranging from prophylaxis to pre‐emptive, empirical and definitive treatment regimens.

Key concepts:

Immunocompromised patients are susceptible to a range of opportunistic infections due to deficiencies in their immune defences. Approaches to diagnosis, investigation and management in the secondary immunocompromised host are explored.
Protein Stability
Authors: Pace C Nick , Grimsley Gerald R , Scholtz J Martin
Published: December 2009

Proteins must fold to a globular conformation to carry out the most important tasks in living organisms. The folded, biologically active conformation of a protein is only marginally more stable than unfolded, inactive conformations, thus making proteins more stable is important in medicine and basic research. The major destabilizing force that must be overcome is conformational entropy. The major stabilizing forces are the hydrophobic effect and hydrogen bonding. The ionizable side‐chains of amino acid residues may also contribute favourably to protein stability through attractive charge–charge interactions, ion pair formation, or the formation of hydrogen bonds when such groups are buried in the protein interior.

Key Concepts

Under physiological conditions, a folded protein is ≈20 to 60 kJmol
–1
more stable than unfolded forms.

The major destabilizing force to protein folding is conformational entropy, which contributes ≈7 kJ mol
−1
per residue.

The major stabilizing forces are the hydrophobic effect, where the burying of each –CH
2
– contributes ≈−5 kJ mol
−1
, and hydrogen bonding, especially buried intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which may contribute ≈−7 kJ mol
−1
per bond.

The ionizable side‐chains of amino acid residues may contribute favourably to protein stability through attractive charge–charge interactions, ion pair formation and hydrogen bonding when the ionizable group is buried in the protein interior.
Predation on Animals
Authors: Prudic Kathleen L
Published: December 2009

The word predator often invokes a vision of a fierce and cruel animal the world would be better without. However, predation is a major ecological process controlling both the structure and function of communities. Predation affects the distribution and abundance of species, the strength and direction of energy flow within a system and the diversity and composition of communities. Predators play an essential role in evolution. Traits that decrease the likelihood of being predated and traits that increase the efficacy of the predating are under strong selection. This process has resulted in a vast array of prey defences and predator counter‐defences. Also, according to recent studies of the fossil record, predation has played a central role in determining the history of life on earth. Thus, predators are not to be viewed as cold‐blooded killers; instead, predation is a critical process for maintaining species diversity in both ecological and evolutionary time.

Key Concepts

Predators are animals which actively catch and consume other animals.

Predators may be limited in the type of prey they consume; these limitations may be extrinsic, due to factors such as prey abundance, or they may be intrinsic, where the predators’ physiological, reproductive or ecological requirements result in specialization on certain types of prey.

Predation is a crucial ecological force because it moves energy through the system.

Mathematical models and empirical research illustrate how predators and their prey coexist and should cycle through time.

Prey species evolve defences that reduce their vulnerability to predators whereas predators evolve adaptations to counter the defences of the prey.

Predator–prey interactions structured ancient, fossil ecosystems and played a role in determining the history of life on earth.
Phylogeography
Authors: Sites Jack W , Morando Mariana
Published: December 2009

Phylogeography is a relatively young discipline, having been introduced into the literature in 1987. Its original focus was the analysis of gene trees (derived from molecular sequence data) in spatial geographic contexts, and for almost a decade, the field was dominated by the use of the mitochondrialdeoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) locus (in animals). Because phylogeography contains an explicit tree‐based focus on population genetic questions, it has successfully linked this discipline to the previously disconnected domain of phylogenetic systematics. From a largely descriptive beginning, phylogeography has become more rigorous by the inclusion of independent nuclear gene loci, more quantitative by incorporation of various statistical methods (nested clade phylogeographic analysis, statistical phylogeography) and more synthetic by incorporation of coalescent theory (using gene trees to estimate species trees) and data and methods from disciplines such as landscape genetics, palaeoecology and palaeoclimatology. Modern phylogeography has many applications to other disciplines of biology.

Key concepts:

Phylogeography is the study of the spatial and temporal distribution of gene sequences in populations of a single species, or among closely related species.

Phylogeographic studies draw heavily on other disciplines, including geology, palynology, GIS layers of environmental records, population biology, coalescent theory and community ecology.

Phylogeographic studies are increasingly being used to study multiple unrelated species that share the same geographic distributions, in an attempt to identify shared signals of historical events (such as stream captures, glacial cycles and marine transgressions) that contributed to population divergence and speciation in multiple groups.

Phylogeography can contribute to knowledge of speciation and the assembly of community structure and identify geographic areas of high genetic diversity and/or regions where evolutionary processes may be identified and included in conservation planning on regional scales.
Genetic Factors in Life Insurance: Actuarial Basis
Authors: Macdonald Angus S
Published: December 2009

Insurance risk assessment is based on probabilistic models of the timing and severity of the event insured against. In the presence of genetic risk factors, the problem is similar to estimating age‐related penetrance and survival rates. There are no data from insurers’ past experience; all studies rely on the medical literature. Most actuarial research relates to severe single‐gene disorders, whose impact on insurance may be limited because of their rarity. Very little research has been done in respect of multifactorial disorders, but it may tentatively be concluded that they will have little relevance for life insurance.

Key Concepts:

There is concern that life insurers will use genetic test results to charge higher premiums to persons at increased risk, leading to an uninsurable ‘genetic underclass’.

Insurers are vulnerable to adverse selection if applicants are able to conceal information relevant to the risk.

Severe, dominantly inherited, late‐onset single‐gene disorders do lead to significantly higher premiums, but are sufficiently rare that it seems unlikely that adverse selection is a material risk.

The genetic contribution to complex multifactorial disorders is not likely to be more important than that of other, well understood, risk factors.