bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Climate Response in a Two-Layer Energy-Balance Model. Part II: Representation of the Efficacy of Deep-Ocean Heat Uptake and Validation for CMIP5 AOGCMs
Authors: Geoffroy O. , Saint-Martin D. , Bellon G. , Voldoire A. , Olivié D. J. L. , Tytéca S.
Published: September 2012

In this second part of a series of two articles analyzing the global thermal properties of atmosphere–ocean coupled general circulation models (AOGCMs) within the framework of a two-layer energy-balance model (EBM), the role of the efficacy of deep-ocean heat uptake is investigated. Taking into account such an efficacy factor is shown to amount to representing the effect of deep-ocean heat uptake on the local strength of the radiative feedback in the transient regime. It involves an additional term in the formulation of the radiative imbalance at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), which explains the nonlinearity between radiative imbalance and the mean surface temperature observed in some AOGCMs. An analytical solution of this system is given and this simple linear EBM is calibrated for the set of 16 AOGCMs of phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) studied in Part I. It is shown that both the net radiative fluxes at TOA and the global surface temperature transient response are well represented by the simple EBM over the available period of simulations. Differences between this two-layer EBM and the previous version without an efficacy factor are analyzed and relationships between parameters are discussed. The simple model calibration applied to AOGCMs constitutes a new method for estimating their respective equilibrium climate sensitivity and adjusted radiative forcing amplitude from short-term step-forcing simulations and more generally a method to compute their global thermal properties.
The Life Cycle of Northern Hemisphere Downward Wave Coupling between the Stratosphere and Troposphere
Authors: Shaw Tiffany A. , Perlwitz Judith
Published: September 2012

The life cycle of Northern Hemisphere downward wave coupling between the stratosphere and troposphere via wave reflection is analyzed. Downward wave coupling events are defined by extreme negative values of a wave coupling index based on the leading principal component of the daily wave-1 heat flux at 30 hPa. The life cycle occurs over a 28-day period. In the stratosphere there is a transition from positive to negative total wave-1 heat flux and westward to eastward phase tilt with height of the wave-1 geopotential height field. In addition, the zonal-mean zonal wind in the upper stratosphere weakens leading to negative vertical shear.

Following the evolution in the stratosphere there is a shift toward the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in the troposphere. The pattern develops from a large westward-propagating wave-1 anomaly in the high-latitude North Atlantic sector. The subsequent equatorward propagation leads to a positive anomaly in midlatitudes. The near-surface temperature and circulation anomalies are consistent with a positive NAO phase. The results suggest that wave reflection events can directly influence tropospheric weather.

Finally, winter seasons dominated by extreme wave coupling and stratospheric vortex events are compared. The largest impacts in the troposphere occur during the extreme negative seasons for both indices, namely seasons with multiple wave reflection events leading to a positive NAO phase or seasons with major sudden stratospheric warmings (weak vortex) leading to a negative NAO phase. The results reveal that the dynamical coupling between the stratosphere and NAO involves distinct dynamical mechanisms that can only be characterized by separate wave coupling and vortex indices.
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10): An Ecological Reading of John’s Gospel
Authors: Miller Susan
Published: September 2012

In the synoptic gospels Jesus proclaims the imminence of the Kingdom of God but in John’s Gospel Jesus is concerned with the gift of eternal life. Interpretations of John’s Gospel have emphasised the relationship between salvation and an individual’s faith in Jesus. Several passages feature accounts of the meeting of Jesus and characters who come to faith in him such as the Samaritan woman, the blind man, Martha, and Thomas. The focus on the faith of individuals and their desire for eternal life has downplayed the importance of the natural world. An ecological strategy of identification, however, illustrates the ways in which Jesus is aligned with Earth. He offers the Samaritan woman living water, and he identifies himself as the bread of life (6:35), the light of the world (8:12), and the true vine (15:1). This strategy of identification highlights images of fruitfulness and abundant harvests. This approach, moreover, emphasises the presence of God in the processes of nature, and the gift of eternal life is described in terms of the abundance of the natural world. An ecological interpretation of John’s Gospel challenges the view that salvation may be defined purely in terms of the gift of eternal life to an individual, and points to an understanding of salvation as the restoration of the relationship of God, humanity, and Earth.
New dots Downunder: The implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB) in Australian schools
Authors: Gentle Frances , Steer Michael , Howse Josie
Published: September 2012

In this article the authors will outline and describe the recent implementation of Unified English Braille (UEB) in Australia’s complex school systems. The New South Wales Department of Education and Communities (NSW/DEC) played a leading role in the process. The education sector at all levels in Australia appears to have embraced the introduction of UEB with enthusiasm, and Braille teachers and students have taken a positive approach to learning the new Braille code.
Stress in adults with congenital deafblindness and an intellectual disability: Information from their cortisol curves
Authors: Bloeming-Wolbrink Kitty A , Janssen Marleen J , de Weerth Carolina , Ruijssenaars Wied AJJM , Sweep Fred CGJ , Eijsbouts Agnes , Riksen-Walraven J Marianne A
Published: September 2012

Adults with congenital deafblindness and an intellectual disability are at high risk for exposure to chronic and severe stress. Sensory deprivation, separations from primary caregivers, and difficulties in communication, from birth on, make daily life stressful for them. Chronic and high stress can lead to deviancies in the cortisol curve. This, in turn, can have negative effects on mental and physical health. Nothing is known yet about the cortisol curve of adults with congenital deafblindness and an intellectual disability, but our hypothesis is that it will be deviant.

In this study, the cortisol curve of six participants with congenital deafblindness was compared to the curve of 40 typical controls. Remarkably, in spite of all past and present stress factors, the cortisol curve of the participants was rather normal. Possible explanations for this finding are discussed, amongst others individual differences in experiencing stress. Implications for further research are discussed.
Body image in adolescents with and without visual impairment
Authors: Pinquart Martin , Pfeiffer Jens P
Published: September 2012

The present study assessed body image in 177 German adolescents with visual impairment and 531 peers with normal sight. On average, adolescents with visual impairment were less satisfied with their body than sighted adolescents, but this difference was mainly based on results drawn from female adolescents. In addition, adolescents with visual impairment, and female adolescents in particular, showed stronger associations of body image with bullying and psychological well-being. The results indicate that female adolescents are more susceptible to body dissatisfaction than male adolescents when not being able to meet the societal standard of the “perfect” body.
Benefits of metal foams and developments in modelling techniques to assess their materials behaviour: A review
Authors: Betts C
Published: September 2012

A review assessing the relative benefits of metal foam core sandwich panels with respect to honeycomb, polymeric foam and truss cores has been conducted. It is noted that metal foams are able to combine low density with good bending stiffness and strength, making them attractive core materials for use in industrial applications (e.g. aircraft wing structures). The current modelling tools available for metal foams are also reviewed. These fall under three categories: analytical methods using dimensional analysis, finite element methods utilising a repeating unit cell, and finite element methods utilising the random Voronoi technique. It is noted that analytical methods do not take into account the effect of imperfections in the microstructure. Finite element methods utilising a repeating unit cell also fail to capture the natural variations in microstructure that are observed in most cellular materials. The effects of imperfections are discussed, and it is observed that these reduce the hydrostatic strength of foams by differing amounts. The Voronoi technique can produce a geometrically more realistic model of the foam structure than the other two methods. Finite element methods are also being developed that utilise a three-dimensional tomographic image of a real foam as the geometric description of the model and it is possibly here that the most exciting developments for the modelling of foams resides.
Effects of SiC ceramic particles on microstructures and mechanical properties of gas tungsten arc welded AZ31magnesium alloy with Cr2O3 flux coating
Authors: Shen J , Liu K , Zhai D J , Wang D , Xu N , Jiang C J
Published: September 2012

The effects of SiC ceramic particles on the macromorphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties of tungsten inert gas welded AZ31 magnesium alloy joints with Cr2O3 flux coating were investigated. The results showed that an increase in the amount of SiC ceramic particles contained in the Cr2O3 flux coating led to the gradual decrease in weld penetrations. The weld penetrations of all welded seams with flux coatings were obviously higher than those without flux coating. Grain refinement was obtained in the welded seams when SiC ceramic particles were added in the Cr2O3 flux coating. With an increase in the amount of SiC ceramic particles, the ultimate tensile strength value of the welded joints increased at first and then decreased. Moreover, the microhardness of the fusion zone increased gradually with an increase in the addition of SiC ceramic particles in the Cr2O3 flux coating.
Hardness properties across multiscales of applied loads and material structures
Authors: Armstrong R. W. , Elban W. L.
Published: September 2012

Indentation hardness measurements determined from continuous loading tests are compared on a hardness stress–strain basis previously developed to show the relationship of different test results. In such a manner, the elastic, plastic and cracking behaviours are described here for NaCl, oxidiser AP, MgO and explosive RDX crystals. The measurements cover a very large range of impression sizes spread over macro- to nano-scale test results. In addition, connection is made with compiled measurements of applied forces against residual indentation sizes and crack sizes for MgO, RDX and Si crystals also over a very large range of loads and deformations. Loading rate influences are shown for MgO crystal hardness and cracking behaviours, in the latter case relating to indentation fracture mechanics (FM) prediction. For internal structural relationship, first, slip system and dislocation pile-up influences are demonstrated for MgO crystal results. Exceptional subgrain boundary and grain boundary hardness measurements for Nb crystals and Nb and Mo polycrystals are then presented. Such results relate to a Hall–Petch type inverse square root of grain diameter dependencies of hardness shown for the following cases: (i) historical measurements on α-brass; (ii) wide ranging grain size coverage in polycrystal Cr, α-Ti and W materials; and (iii) particle size and binder mean free path dependencies for WC–Co polyphase composites. For the WC–Co system, there is connection with the contiguity parameter for WC to WC particle contacts and to the FM behaviour.
A pipeline for automated annotation of yeast genome sequences by a conserved-synteny approach
Authors: Proux-Wéra Estelle , Armisén David , Byrne Kevin P , Wolfe Kenneth H
Published: September 2012

Background

Yeasts are a model system for exploring eukaryotic genome evolution. Next-generation sequencing technologies are poised to vastly increase the number of yeast genome sequences, both from resequencing projects (population studies) and from de novo sequencing projects (new species). However, the annotation of genomes presents a major bottleneck for de novo projects, because it still relies on a process that is largely manual.

Results

Here we present the Yeast Genome Annotation Pipeline (YGAP), an automated system designed specifically for new yeast genome sequences lacking transcriptome data. YGAP does automatic de novo annotation, exploiting homology and synteny information from other yeast species stored in the Yeast Gene Order Browser (YGOB) database. The basic premises underlying YGAP's approach are that data from other species already tells us what genes we should expect to find in any particular genomic region and that we should also expect that orthologous genes are likely to have similar intron/exon structures. Additionally, it is able to detect probable frameshift sequencing errors and can propose corrections for them. YGAP searches intelligently for introns, and detects tRNA genes and Ty-like elements.

Conclusions

In tests on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and on the genomes of Naumovozyma castellii and Tetrapisispora blattae newly sequenced with Roche-454 technology, YGAP outperformed another popular annotation program (AUGUSTUS). For S. cerevisiae and N. castellii, 91-93% of YGAP's predicted gene structures were identical to those in previous manually curated gene sets. YGAP has been implemented as a webserver with a user-friendly interface athttp://wolfe.gen.tcd.ie/annotation.
The Drosophila nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits Dα5 and Dα7 form functional homomeric and heteromeric ion channels
Authors: Lansdell Stuart J , Collins Toby , Goodchild Jim , Millar Neil S
Published: September 2012

Background

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play an important role as excitatory neurotransmitters in vertebrate and invertebrate species. In insects, nAChRs are the site of action of commercially important insecticides and, as a consequence, there is considerable interest in examining their functional properties. However, problems have been encountered in the successful functional expression of insect nAChRs, although a number of strategies have been developed in an attempt to overcome such difficulties. Ten nAChR subunits have been identified in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster (Dα1-Dα7 and Dβ1-Dβ3) and a similar number have been identified in other insect species. The focus of the present study is the Dα5, Dα6 and Dα7 subunits, which are distinguished by their sequence similarity to one another and also by their close similarity to the vertebrate α7 nAChR subunit.

Results

A full-length cDNA clone encoding the Drosophila nAChR Dα5 subunit has been isolated and the properties of Dα5-, Dα6- and Dα7-containing nAChRs examined in a variety of cell expression systems. We have demonstrated the functional expression, as homomeric nAChRs, of the Dα5 and Dα7 subunits in Xenopus oocytes by their co-expression with the molecular chaperone RIC-3. Also, using a similar approach, we have demonstrated the functional expression of a heteromeric ‘triplet’ nAChR (Dα5 + Dα6 + Dα7) with substantially higher apparent affinity for acetylcholine than is seen with other subunit combinations. In addition, specific cell-surface binding of [125I]-α-bungarotoxin was detected in both Drosophila and mammalian cell lines when Dα5 was co-expressed with Dα6 and RIC-3. In contrast, co-expression of additional subunits (including Dα7) with Dα5 and Dα6 prevented specific binding of [125I]-α-bungarotoxin in cell lines, suggesting that co-assembly with other nAChR subunits can block maturation of correctly folded nAChRs in some cellular environments.

Conclusion

Data are presented demonstrating the ability of the Drosophila Dα5 and Dα7 subunits to generate functional homomeric and also heteromeric nAChRs.
High-throughput sequencing of black pepper root transcriptome
Authors: Gordo Sheila MC , Pinheiro Daniel G , Moreira Edith CO , Rodrigues Simone M , Poltronieri Marli C , de Lemos Oriel F , da Silva Israel Tojal , Ramos Rommel TJ , Silva Artur , Schneider Horacio , Silva Wilson A , Sampaio Iracilda , Darnet Sylvain
Published: September 2012

Background

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is one of the most popular spices in the world. It is used in cooking and the preservation of food and even has medicinal properties. Losses in production from disease are a major limitation in the culture of this crop. The major diseases are root rot and foot rot, which are results of root infection by Fusarium solani and Phytophtora capsici, respectively. Understanding the molecular interaction between the pathogens and the host’s root region is important for obtaining resistant cultivars by biotechnological breeding. Genetic and molecular data for this species, though, are limited. In this paper, RNA-Seq technology has been employed, for the first time, to describe the root transcriptome of black pepper.

Results

The root transcriptome of black pepper was sequenced by the NGS SOLiD platform and assembled using the multiple-k method. Blast2Go and orthoMCL methods were used to annotate 10338 unigenes. The 4472 predicted proteins showed about 52% homology with the Arabidopsis proteome. Two root proteomes identified 615 proteins, which seem to define the plant’s root pattern. Simple-sequence repeats were identified that may be useful in studies of genetic diversity and may have applications in biotechnology and ecology.

Conclusions

This dataset of 10338 unigenes is crucially important for the biotechnological breeding of black pepper and the ecogenomics of the Magnoliids, a major group of basal angiosperms.
Circulating hematopoietic stem cell count is a valuable predictor of prematurity complications in preterm newborns
Authors: Kotowski Maciej , Safranow Krzysztof , Kawa Miłosz P , Lewandowska Joanna , Kłos Patrycja , Dziedziejko Violetta , Paczkowska Edyta , Czajka Ryszard , Celewicz Zbigniew , Rudnicki Jacek , Machaliński Bogusław
Published: September 2012

Background

The frequency of preterm labour has risen over the last few years. Hence, there is growing interest in the identification of markers that may facilitate prediction and prevention of premature birth complications. Here, we studied the association of the number of circulating stem cell populations with the incidence of complications typical of prematurity.

Methods

The study groups consisted of 90 preterm (23–36 weeks of gestational age) and 52 full-term (37–41 weeks) infants. Non-hematopoietic stem cells (non-HSCs; CD45-lin-CD184+), enriched in very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), expressing pluripotent (Oct-4, Nanog), early neural (β-III-tubulin), and oligodendrocyte lineage (Olig-1) genes as well as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs; CD45+lin-CD184+), and circulating stem/progenitor cells (CSPCs; CD133+CD34+; CD133-CD34+) in association with characteristics of prematurity and preterm morbidity were analyzed in cord blood (CB) and peripheral blood (PB) until the sixth week after delivery. Phenotype analysis was performed using flow cytometry methods. Clonogenic assays suitable for detection of human hematopoietic progenitor cells were also applied. The quantitative parameters were compared between groups by the Mann–Whitney test and between time points by the Friedman test. Fisher’s exact test was used for qualitative variables.

Results

We found that the number of CB non-HSCs/VSELs is inversely associated with the birth weight of preterm infants. More notably, a high number of CB HSCs is strongly associated with a lower risk of prematurity complications including intraventricular hemorrhage, respiratory distress syndrome, infections, and anemia. The number of HSCs remains stable for the first six weeks of postnatal life. Besides, the number of CSPCs in CB is significantly higher in preterm infants than in full-term neonates (p < 0.0001) and extensively decreases in preterm babies during next six weeks after birth. Finally, the growth of burst-forming unit of erythrocytes (BFU-E) and colony-forming units of granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) obtained from CB of premature neonates is higher than those obtained from CB of full-term infants and strongly correlates with the number of CB-derived CSPCs.

Conclusion

We conclude that CB HSCs are markedly associated with the development of premature birth complications. Thus, HSCs ought to be considered as the potential target for further research as they may be relevant for predicting and controlling the morbidity of premature infants. Moreover, the observed levels of non-HSCs/VSELs circulating in CB are inversely associated with the birth weight of preterm infants, suggesting non-HSCs/VSELs might be involved in the maturation of fetal organism.
Why physicians and nurses ask (or don’t) about partner violence: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Beynon Charlene E , Gutmanis Iris A , Tutty Leslie M , Wathen C Nadine , MacMillan Harriet L
Published: September 2012

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a serious public health issue and is associated with significant adverse health outcomes. The current study was undertaken to: 1) explore physicians’ and nurses’ experiences, both professional and personal, when asking about IPV; 2) determine the variations by discipline; and 3) identify implications for practice, workplace policy and curriculum development.

Methods

Physicians and nurses working in Ontario, Canada were randomly selected from recognized discipline-specific professional directories to complete a 43-item mailed survey about IPV, which included two open-ended questions about barriers and facilitators to asking about IPV. Text from the open-ended questions was transcribed and analyzed using inductive content analysis. In addition, frequencies were calculated for commonly described categories and the Fisher’s Exact Test was performed to determine statistical significance when examining nurse/physician differences.

Results

Of the 931 respondents who completed the survey, 769 (527 nurses, 238 physicians, four whose discipline was not stated) provided written responses to the open-ended questions. Overall, the top barriers to asking about IPV were lack of time, behaviours attributed to women living with abuse, lack of training, language/cultural practices and partner presence. The most frequently reported facilitators were training, community resources and professional tools/protocols/policies. The need for additional training was a concern described by both groups, yet more so by nurses. There were statistically significant differences between nurses and physicians regarding both barriers and facilitators, most likely related to differences in role expectations and work environments.

Conclusions

This research provides new insights into the complexities of IPV inquiry and the inter-relationships among barriers and facilitators faced by physicians and nurses. The experiences of these nurses and physicians suggest that more supports (e.g., supportive work environments, training, mentors, consultations, community resources, etc.) are needed by practitioners. These findings reflect the results of previous research yet offer perspectives on why barriers persist. Multifaceted and intersectoral approaches that address individual, interpersonal, workplace and systemic issues faced by nurses and physicians when inquiring about IPV are required. Comprehensive frameworks are needed to further explore the many issues associated with IPV inquiry and the interplay across these issues.
Suboptimal chemotherapy is an adverse prognostic factor in osteosarcoma
Authors: Yong Bicheng , Tan Pingxian , Yin Junqiang , Zou Changye , Xie Xianbiao , Wang Jin , Huang Gang , Wang Qianyong , Shen Jingnan
Published: September 2012

Background

We sought to determine whether suboptimal chemotherapy compromised the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients.

Methods

A total of 132 eligible patients who underwent chemotherapy between 1998 and 2008 were identified in our database. Information regarding patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and survival status were extracted for analysis. Optimal chemotherapy was defined as receipt of ≥80% of the planned dose intensity of prescribed agents within the planned durations.

Results

The use of optimal chemotherapy resulted in an overall survival benefit withP =0.006. Patients who failed to complete the optimal chemotherapy protocol had a dismal prognosis of 30.8% overall survival over five years, whereas those who completed the optimal chemotherapy had an overall survival rate over five years of 65.3%. Based on multivariate analysis, patients who were treated with a suboptimal protocol had a higher risk of relapse, metastasis and mortality. The hazard ratio (HR) of recurrence or death for the suboptimal chemotherapy group was as high as 2.512 over that of the optimal chemotherapy group (HR = 2.512, 95% confidence interval = 1.242 to 3.729).

Conclusions

Chemotherapy is a significant independent prognostic variable, and suboptimal chemotherapy was found to have a detrimental effect on the outcome of patients with osteosarcoma.
Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scan-positive recurrent papillary thyroid cancer and the prognosis and implications for surgical management
Authors: Schreinemakers Jennifer MJ , Vriens Menno R , Munoz-Perez Nuria , Guerrero Marlon A , Suh Insoo , Rinkes Inne HM Borel , Gosnell Jessica , Shen Wen T , Clark Orlo H , Duh Quan-Yang
Published: September 2012

Background

To compare outcomes for patients with recurrent or persistent papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who had metastatic tumors that were fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) positive or negative, and to determine whether the FDG-PET scan findings changed the outcome of medical and surgical management.

Methods

From a prospective thyroid cancer database, we retrospectively identified patients with recurrent or persistent PTC and reviewed data on demographics, initial stage, location and extent of persistent or recurrent disease, clinical management, disease-free survival and outcome. We further identified subsets of patients who had an FDG-PET scan or an FDG-PET/CT scan and whole-body radioactive iodine scans and categorized them by whether they had one or more FDG-PET-avid (PET-positive) lesions or PET-negative lesions. The medical and surgical treatments and outcome of these patients were compared.

Results

Between 1984 and 2008, 41 of 141 patients who had recurrent or persistent PTC underwent FDG-PET (n = 11) or FDG-PET/CT scans (n = 30); 22 patients (54%) had one or more PET-positive lesion(s), 17 (41%) had PET-negative lesions, and two had indeterminate lesions. Most PET-positive lesions were located in the neck (55%). Patients who had a PET-positive lesion had a significantly higher TNM stage (P = 0.01), higher age (P = 0.03), and higher thyroglobulin (P = 0.024). Only patients who had PET-positive lesions died (5/22 vs. 0/17 for PET-negative lesions; P = 0.04). In two of the seven patients who underwent surgical resection of their PET-positive lesions, loco-regional control was obtained without evidence of residual disease.

Conclusion

Patients with recurrent or persistent PTC and FDG-PET-positive lesions have a worse prognosis. In some patients loco-regional control can be obtained without evidence of residual disease by reoperation if the lesion is localized in the neck or mediastinum.
Complement is dispensable for neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick disease type C
Authors: Lopez Manuel E , Klein Andres D , Scott Matthew P
Published: September 2012

Background

The immune system has been implicated in neurodegeneration during development and disease. In various studies, the absence of complement (that is, C1q deficiency) impeded the elimination of apoptotic neurons, allowing survival. In the genetic lysosomal storage disease Niemann-Pick C (NPC), caused by loss of NPC1 function, the expression of complement system components, C1q especially, is elevated in degenerating brain regions ofNpc1-/-mice. Here we test whether complement is mediating neurodegeneration in NPC disease.

Findings

In normal mature mice,C1qmRNA was found in neurons, particularly cerebellar Purkinje neurons (PNs). InNpc1-/-mice,C1qmRNA was additionally found in activated microglia, which accumulate during disease progression and PN loss. Interestingly, C1q was not enriched on or near degenerating neurons. Instead, C1q was concentrated in other brain regions, where it partially co-localized with a potential C1q inhibitor, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). Genetic deletion of C1q, or of the downstream complement pathway component C3, did not significantly alter patterned neuron loss or disease progression. Deletion of other immune response factors, a Toll-like receptor, a matrix metalloprotease, or the apoptosis facilitator BIM, also failed to alter neuron loss.

Conclusion

We conclude that complement is not involved in the death and clearance of neurons in NPC disease. This study supports a view of neuroinflammation as a secondary response with non-causal relationship to neuron injury in the disease. This disease model may prove useful for understanding the conditions in which complement and immunity do contribute to neurodegeneration in other disorders.
Chinese highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus exhibits more extensive tissue tropism for pigs
Authors: Li Limin , Zhao Qian , Ge Xinna , Teng Kedao , Kuang Yu , Chen Yanhong , Guo Xin , Yang Hanchun
Published: September 2012

Background

The highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) emerging in China exhibits high fatality to pigs. However, the mechanism related to the increased pathogenicity of the virus remains unclear. In the present study, the differences in tissue tropism between the highly pathogenic PRRSV strain (JXwn06) and the low pathogenic PRRSV strain (HB-1/3.9) were investigated using PRRSV-specific immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining to provide evidence for elucidating possible mechanism of the pathogenicity of Chinese highly pathogenic PRRSV.

Findings

IHC examination showed that PRRSV antigen in the tissues including spleen, tonsil, thymus, kidney, cerebellum, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, turbinal bone and laryngeal cartilage was positive in more pigs inoculated with JXwn06 than HB-1/3.9, and the tissues including trachea, esophagus, liver, mandibular gland and thyroid gland were positive for viral antigen in the pigs inoculated with JXwn06, but not in the pigs inoculated with HB-1/3.9. Meanwhile, we observed that epithelium in tissues including interlobular bile duct in liver, distal renal tubule of kidney, esophageal gland and tracheal gland were positive for viral antigen only in JXwn06-inoculated pigs, and epithelium of gastric mucosa and fundic gland, and intestinal gland were positive for viral antigen in both JXwn06- and HB-1/3.9-inoculated pigs, using monoclonal antibodies to N and Nsp2 proteins.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings indicate that the highly pathogenic PRRSV JXwn06 displays an expanded tissue tropism in vivo, suggesting this may contribute to its high pathogenicity to pigs.
Implementation of a Performance Improvement Initiative in Colorectal Cancer Care
Authors: Marshall John L. , Cartwright Thomas H. , Berry Carolyn A. , Stowell Stephanie A. , Miller Sara C.
Published: September 2012

Programs to increase colorectal cancer screening rates have seldom focused on improving patient care. To provide clinicians with methods for self-assessment and practice improvement, a national continuing medical education–certified performance improvement initiative was conceived.
Use and Benefits of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Stage I Endometrial Cancer Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Wright Jason D. , Neugut Alfred I. , Wilde Elizabeth T. , Buono Donna L. , Tsai Wei-Yann , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: September 2012

Despite the fact that laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer results in fewer complications, uptake has been slow.
Ethics of Ongoing Cancer Care for Patients Making Risky Decisions
Authors: Peppercorn Jeffrey
Published: September 2012

Patients who decline conventional cancer therapy yet seek to continue follow-up while pursuing alternative therapy can pose an ethical challenge.
Derivatization chemistry of the double-decker dicobalt sandwich ion targeted to design biologically active substances
Authors: Grüner Bohumír , Švec Petr , Hájková Zuzana , Císařová Ivana , Pokorná Jana , Konvalinka Jan
Published: September 2012

A synthesis of the first double-decker sandwich ion [(1',2'-C2B9H11)-3,3'-Co-(1,2-C2B8H10)-6,3"-Co-(1",2"-C2B9H11)]2– (DD
2–) derivatives is described, having been developed in connection with our search for biologically active substances. A series of B-substituted hydroxyl derivatives was prepared by direct hydroxylation of the ion using aqueous sulfuric acid. Two isomers of monohydroxy derivatives were isolated. The main product was substituted at the central “canastide” ion fragment, whereas the substitution site for the minor isomer corresponded to a B(8) atom of one of the terminal 11-vertex dicarbollide parts. Similarly, the disubstitution occurred slightly more preferentially on the “canastide” fragment providing the main isomeric derivative with a symmetric structure. The cesium salt of this ion was characterized by X-ray diffraction. Two other isomeric species have one substituent sitting on the “canastide” ion and the second present on the dicarbollide ligand in apart or syn-geometric arrangement. A new zwitterion anion [(1',2'-C2B9H11)-3',3-Co-(8-(CH2)4O-1,2-C2B8H9)-6,3"-Co-(1",2"-C2B9H11)-]1– was prepared by the reaction of the parent ion with tetrahydrofuran (THF), activated by BF3·OEt2. This new compound serves as a versatile building block for constructing organic derivatives, as exemplified by the ring cleavage by various amines or phenolate ions and the synthesis of a basic series of compounds of general formulation [(1',2'-C2B9H11)-3',3-Co-(8-X-(CH2)4O-1,2-C2B8H9)-6,3"-Co-(1",2"-C2B9H11)]
n– where the organic end-groups X adjacent to the “canastide” moiety via a B-oxatetramethylene spacer corresponds to C4H9NH2, NC5H5, N(C2H5)3, (C6H5)3P (n = 1), or (4-t-Bu-C6H4-1-O)– and (2-CH3O-C6H4O)– (n = 2). We show that dicluster compounds with two identical DD
2– anion units or asymmetric molecules containing two different clusters, the cobalt bis(dicarbollide) and the DD
2– anion, are accessible using this building block. All compounds were characterized by high-resolution NMR (1H, 13C, and 11B) and mass spectrometry. Some of the compounds were tested by in vitro assay for their ability to inhibit the HIV-protease (HIV-PR) enzyme. The majority of the tested species proved substantially high activity toward the HIV-PR, exhibiting on the other hand a noncompetitive mechanism of the inhibition.
Cell surface engineering of renal cell carcinoma with glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored TIMP-1 blocks TGF-β1 activation and reduces regulatory ID gene expression
Authors: Notohamiprodjo Susan , Djafarzadeh Roghieh , Rieth Nicole , Hofstetter Monika , Jaeckel Carsten , Nelson Peter J.
Published: September 2012

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) controls matrix metalloproteinase activity through 1:1 stoichiometric binding. Human TIMP-1 fused to a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor (TIMP-1–GPI) shifts the activity of TIMP-1 from the extracellular matrix to the cell surface. TIMP-1–GPI treated renal cell carcinoma cells show increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation. Transcriptomic profiling and regulatory pathway mapping were used to identify the potential mechanisms driving these effects. Significant changes in the DNA binding inhibitors, TGF-β1/SMAD and BMP pathways resulted from TIMP-1–GPI treatment. These events were linked to reduced TGF-β1 signaling mediated by inhibition of proteolytic processing of latent TGF-β1 by TIMP-1–GPI.
Overexpression of the urokinase receptor splice variant uPAR-del4/5 in breast cancer cells affects cell adhesion and invasion in a dose-dependent manner and modulates transcription of tumor-associated genes
Authors: Grismayer Bettina , Sato Sumito , Kopitz Charlotte , Ries Christian , Soelch Susanne , Schmitt Manfred , Baretton Gustavo , Krüger Achim , Luther Thomas , Kotzsch Matthias , Magdolen Viktor
Published: September 2012

mRNA levels of the urokinase receptor splice variant uPAR-del4/5 are associated with prognosis in breast cancer. Its overexpression in cancer cells affects tumor biologically relevant processes. In the present study, individual breast cancer cell clones displaying low vs. high uPAR-del4/5 expression were analyzed demonstrating that uPAR-del4/5 leads to reduced cell adhesion and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was found to be strongly upregulated in uPAR-del4/5 overexpressing compared to vector control cells. uPAR-del4/5 may thus play an important role in the regulation of the extracellular proteolytic network and, by this, influence the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells.
New insight into the molecular switch mechanism of human Rho family proteins: shifting a paradigm
Authors: Jaiswal Mamta , Fansa Eyad Kalawy , Dvorsky Radovan , Ahmadian Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2012

Major advances have been made in understanding the structure, function and regulation of the small GTP-binding proteins of the Rho family and their involvement in multiple cellular process and disorders. However, intrinsic nucleotide exchange and hydrolysis reactions, which are known to be fundamental to Rho family proteins, have been partially investigated in the case of RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42, but for others not at all. Here we present a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the molecular switch functions of 15 members of the Rho family that enabled us to propose an active GTP-bound state for the rather uncharacterized isoforms RhoD and Rif under equilibrium and quiescent conditions.
CLIPPER: an add-on to the Trans-Proteomic Pipeline for the automated analysis of TAILS N-terminomics data
Authors: Keller Ulrich auf dem , Overall Christopher M.
Published: September 2012

Data analysis in proteomics is complex and with the extra challenges involved in the interpretation of data from N-terminomics experiments, this can be daunting. Therefore, we have devised a rational pipeline of steps to approach N-terminomics data analysis in a statistically-based and valid manner. We have automated these steps in CLIPPER, an add-on to the Trans-Proteomic Pipeline (TPP). Applying CLIPPER to the analysis of N-terminomics data generated by terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates (TAILS) enables high confidence peptide to protein assignment, protein N-terminal characterization and annotation, and for protease analysis readily allows protease substrate discovery with high confidence.
Five Misunderstandings about Practical Theology
Authors: Miller-McLemore Bonnie J.
Published: September 2012

Inspiriert durch einen Aufsatz des Soziologen Bent Flyvbjerg
über Fallstudien untersucht dieser Beitrag folgende fünf allgemeine Missverständnisse
in der Geschichte und Entwicklung der Praktischen Theologie als
akademischer Institution: (1) Praktische Theologie ist eine ausgegrenzte Disziplin
in einer ernsthaften Identitätskrise. (2) Das Problem der Praktischen Theologie
und theologischer Ausbildung ist das klerikale Paradigma. (3) Praktische
Theologie und Pastoraltheologie sind austauschbare Begriffe. (4) Es ist unmöglich,
Praktische Theologie zu definieren, oder, umgedreht, ist ganz einfach zu
definieren (etwa als Untersuchung der Beziehung zwicschen Glauben und Handeln).
(5) Praktische Theologie ist zum Teil oder als Ganze deskriptiv, empirisch,
interpretativ, und nicht normative, theologisch, und, in bestimmter Hinsicht,
christlich. Es werden alle Missverständnisse beschrieben, Korrekturmöglichkeiten
vorgeschlagen und schließlich gefolgert, dass drei Jahrzehnte der Entwicklung
auf diesem Feld und paralleler Prozesse anderer Bereiche der Wissenschaft
es nahe legen, die ursprüngliche Intuition zu bestätigen, dass es einen alternativen
Weg theologischen Denkens geben müsse und diese Disziplin daran
weiter zu arbeiten hat.
Spiritualität und spirituality in der Welt der
Arbeit und der Welt der Gesundheit
Authors: Schneider Jörg
Published: September 2012

This article explores the role of spirituality in the fields of health and
work. Spirituality has become an integral part of the structures of workplaces. E.g.,
regarding health care not only the spirituality of those taken care of but also of
those caring has come to the attention. Regarding other workplaces than hospitals,
spirituality is recognised as integral part of the personality of people, therefore it
must be cared about for the growth of efficiency.
Perfil da fisioterapia na reabilitação cardiovascular no Brasil
Authors: Mair Vanessa , Yoshimori Darlene Yuri , Cipriano Jr. Gerson , Castro Shamyr Sulyvan de , Avino Renato , Buffolo Enio , Branco João Nelson Rodrigues
Published: September 2012

O estudo visou conhecer o modelo de atuação da fisioterapia em reabilitação cardiovascular (RC) no Brasil, bem como o perfil profissional do fisioterapeuta que trabalha com RC e o perfil administrativo dos serviços de RC. Foram obtidas 67 respostas a um questionário disponibilizado na internet durante 2005, consistindo em 52 perguntas fechadas sobre a RC: 25 questões referentes ao modelo de atuação, 14 aos procedimentos de avaliação, 3 ao perfil acadêmico e profissional da equipe, 6 à administração do serviço de RC e 4 questões abertas para sugestões. A intervenção fisioterápica (IF) em RC está presente em cerca de dois terços dos serviços estudados; dentre os que oferecem IF em RC, 63% iniciam a reabilitação no período pré-intervenção. O acompanhamento fisioterápico no pós-intervenção é realizado em 71% dos serviços nas unidades de terapia intensiva e em 75% nas unidades de internação. Na fase III da RC, 65% dos serviçoc oferecem tratamento supervisionado aos pacientes. O fisioterapeuta é o principal profissional ligado à administração do serviço e a maioria apresenta formação em nível de especialização. O presente estudo evidencia a necessidade de outros estudos sobre o tema, visando a padronização dos serviços e a criação de manuais de conduta.
Percepção de servidores municipais frente ao diagnóstico de distúrbio osteomuscular relacionado ao trabalho
Authors: Frota Mirna Albuquerque , Filgueiras Marcelo de Carvalho , Ximenes Lorena Barbosa
Published: September 2012

As doenças osteomusculares relacionadas ao trabalho (DORT) são distúrbios do aparelho locomotor de etiologia ligada à atividade laboral que vêm apresentando incidência crescente em todo o mundo. Este estudo teve o objetivo de descrever a forma como servidores municipais de Fortaleza, CE, vivenciam as DORT. O estudo qualitativo foi realizado em uma clínica de fisioterapia em 2004. Os informantes foram nove servidores (com idades entre 40 e 57 anos) em atendimento fisioterápico na clínica - agentes administrativos, professores e um técnico. Os dados foram coletados por meio da observação participante e de entrevista semi-estruturada. Da análise emergiram as categorias temáticas "reações frente ao diagnóstico e tratamento" e "vivência da doença nas relações interpessoais". Os resultados permitiram inferir o impacto do diagnóstico da DORT no cotidiano do trabalhador: a limitação funcional leva à frustração e indignação; o não-reconhecimento pelos colegas gera a percepção de rejeição ou exclusão social. A reação de negação inicial, que leva o trabalhador a evitar a procura de atendimento especializado, é importante pela subnotificação gerada, que provoca limitação nas medidas de prevenção e controle das DORT.
Risk of Phosphorus Desorption from Canadian Agricultural Land: 25‐Year Temporal Trend
Authors: van Bochove Eric , Thériault Georges , Denault Jean‐Thomas , Dechmi Farida , Allaire Suzanne E. , Rousseau Alain N.
Published: September 2012

Phosphorus (P) use in excess of crop needs may impact surface water quality and contribute to eutrophication. However, P loss from agricultural land to water has never been estimated at the Canadian national scale. In this paper, the risk of P desorption from Canadian agricultural land is assessed by the source component of the indicator of risk of water contamination by P (IROWC‐P). The IROWC‐P source component (P_source) characterized the mobilization potential of soluble P and integrated four models of P desorption by water for dominant agricultural soil series of Canada on the soil landscape of Canada polygon scale (1:1,000,000). The objective of our study was to describe and evaluate a standardized method for deriving the P_source component. The P_source was assessed over 5‐yr intervals from 1981 to 2006 for scientifically based knowledge by relating annual P balance values, soil test P (STP) analyses, soil P saturation index, and Self‐Davis water extractable P extraction values. Results show trends of soil P enrichment for most Canadian provinces over the 25‐yr period but also an increased percentage of farmland classified above the water extractable soil P environmental threshold of 4 mg P kg−1. The Canadian Prairies and Ontario showed small P_source values and almost no farmland above the environmental threshold. Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces had P_source values that exceeded the environmental threshold in 2006; more than 33% of farmland is classified above the environmental threshold value.
Fate of 15NO3− and 15NH4+ in the Treatment of Eutrophic Water Using the Floating Macrophyte, Eichhornia crassipes
Authors: Gao Yan , Yi Neng , Zhang Zhiyong , Liu Haiqin , Yan Shaohua
Published: September 2012

Use of the floating aquatic macrophyte, Eichhornia crassipes, to improve eutrophic water quality is practiced on a large scale in China. Limited information is available on the relative importance of the biological NO3− or NH4+ removal process during the treatment of eutrophic water using Eichhornia crassipes. To investigate the key process responsible for the removal of NO3− and NH4+, 15N‐NO3− (9.98 atom % [at.%] 15N) or 15N‐NH4+ (10.08 at.% 15N) was added to obtain eutrophic water with or without the cultivation of Eichhornia crassipes. In the unplanted water, considerable proportions of the added 15N‐NO3− (27.13 ± 4.87%) or 15N‐NH4+ (42.08 ± 7.22%) were assimilated by the developed algae. The growth of Eichhornia crassipes controlled algae development in the planted water. Furthermore, the cultivation of Eichhornia crassipes stimulated gaseous loss of N by microbial denitrification (8.61 ± 1.70% N2O‐N loss from 15N‐NO3−–labeled water). Apart from N loss by denitrification, considerable proportions of the added 15N‐NO3− (62.01 ± 6.93%) or 15N‐NH4+ (76.76 ± 6.21%) were assimilated into the macrophyte N pools. The fine root detritus of Eichhornia crassipes contained a proportion of N (4.37 ± 1.39% in 15NO3−–labeled water, 2.03 ± 0.52% in 15NH4+–labeled water) that will be returned to the water after decomposition. In addition to 15N loss via N2O emission, an unaccounted proportion of 15N could be mainly due to gaseous loss as N2 by denitrification (25.00% in 15N‐NO3−–labeled water with Eichhornia crassipes).