bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is meant by ‘support’ in higher education? Towards a model of academic and welfare support
Authors: Jacklin Angela , Robinson Carol
Published: May 2007

This paper focuses on academic and welfare support for students in higher education, and specifically what makes that support effective. It draws on data from a research project which aimed to explore networks of support for disabled and non‐disabled students. Part of the research focused on the nature and sources of support that were identified as important by students, as well as the kinds of support that were available within the higher education institution (HEI). What emerged as of particular interest was the question, ‘What do we mean by support?’ Drawing mainly on the voices and experiences of the students, perceptions of support were explored and the effects of support on the students’ experience of higher education were considered. Through a focus on more generic support structures as well as support which was specific to individual (disabled) students, the research aimed to understand ‘support’ and its importance from the student perspective.
Using the Mini‐Mental State Examination for Tracking Cognition in the Older Population Based on Longitudinal Data
Authors: Chatfield Mark , Matthews Fiona E. , Brayne Carol ,   the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To estimate population norms for use in assessment of individuals in relation to their age‐matched peers using true longitudinal patterns of decline.

DESIGN: Longitudinal study of 10 years of follow‐up data from the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC CFAS) on the most commonly used cognitive test across clinical and research settings.

SETTING: England and Wales.

PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen thousand four people were seen in five sites at baseline, with follow up at 2, 5, and 10 years.

MEASUREMENTS: Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score at three interviews over 10 years. A total of 42,777 MMSE scores were used in the analysis.

RESULTS: MMSE norms are presented according to age and split according to sex using longitudinal data. Potential cohort effects and dropout of individuals with low MMSE scores have been accounted for.

CONCLUSION: It is likely that the cognitive MMSE scale will continue to be used in many settings and across the age range. The figures presented here can be used to plot individual performance and chart where there is change in the relative position of one individual compared with others.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Criteria for Urinary Tract Infection in a Cohort of Nursing Home Residents*
Authors: Juthani‐Mehta Manisha , Tinetti Mary , Perrelli Eleanor , Towle Virginia , Van Ness Peter H. , Quagliarello Vincent
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate nursing home residents with suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) to determine whether they met the McGeer, Loeb, or revised Loeb consensus‐based criteria and whether any set of criteria was associated with laboratory evidence of UTI, namely bacteriuria (>100,000 colony forming units) plus pyuria (>10 white blood cells).

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Three New Haven–area nursing homes.

PARTICIPANTS: Of 611 residents screened, 457 were eligible, 362 consented, and 340 enrolled.

MEASUREMENTS: Participants underwent prospective surveillance from May 2005 to April 2006 for the development of suspected UTI (defined as a participant's physician or nurse clinically suspecting UTI). One hundred participants with suspected UTI and a urinalysis and urine culture performed were included in the analyses.

RESULTS: Participants were identified who met the criteria of McGeer, Loeb, revised Loeb, and laboratory evidence of UTI. Using laboratory evidence of UTI as the outcome, the McGeer criteria demonstrated 30% sensitivity, 82% specificity, 57% positive predictive value (PPV), and 61% negative predictive value (NPV); the Loeb criteria showed 19% sensitivity, 89% specificity, 57% PPV, and 59% NPV; and the revised Loeb criteria demonstrated 30% sensitivity, 79% specificity, 52% PPV, and 60% NPV.

CONCLUSION: All of the consensus‐based criteria have similar test characteristics. The diagnostic accuracy of UTI criteria in nursing home residents could be improved, and the data suggest that evidence‐based clinical criteria associated with laboratory evidence of UTI need to be identified and validated.
DoestheLawyer Matter? Influencing Outcomes on the Supreme Court of Canada
Authors: Szmer John , Johnson Susan W. , Sarver Tammy A.
Published: May 2007

This article examines the impact of lawyer capability on the decisionmaking of the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC). Extending prior attorney capability studies of U.S. judicial decisionmaking, we test three lawyer variables: prior litigation experience, litigation team size, and Queen's Counsel designation. We find that the first two variables have a statistically significant and positive relationship with the SCC's decisions in non-reference-question cases from 1988 to 2000. Moreover, this relationship persists even after controlling for party capability, issue area, and judicial policy preferences.
“Maybe Tomorrow I'll Turn Capitalist”: Cuentapropismo in a Workers' State
Authors: Phillips Emma F.
Published: May 2007

In 1993, the Cuban government significantly expanded the scope of legal self-employment on the island. The change has not been uncontroversial, and cuentapropistas have frequently been held up, both in Cuba and in the United States, as the symbol of Cuba's transition to a free-market economy. In framing cuentapropistas as the vanguards of capitalism, observers have adopted a concept of “transition” which is both rigidly ideological and teleological. This article argues that by employing a sociolegal approach toward cuentapropismo—examining close-up not only the Cuban government's regulation of self-employment, but also how the operation of law is mediated through cuentapropistas' own self-perceptions—we can develop a richer and more complex understanding of transitional periods. Rather than conceptualizing “transition” as a straight line from communism to capitalism, a sociolegal analysis draws attention to the complex relationship between law, identity, and work in the renegotiation of citizenship, and the constitutive role that evolving conceptions of citizenship may have for the shape and character of a transitional period.
Erasure, Convergence, and the Great Divide: Trends in Racial Disparity in Middletown
Authors: Bahr Howard M. , Pearson Mindy Judd , Elder Leif G. , Hicks Louis
Published: May 2007

Although Robert and Helen Lynd later identified the color line as the deepest division separating Middletown's people, data on the city's black population were purposely excluded from their analysis, and therefore blacks are not represented in the 1920s baseline which Middletown provides for subsequent community studies. Indeed, the reader must simply take the Lynds’ word for the importance of the racial divide, for their decision to restrict their analysis to white citizens means that its dimensions remain unspecified save for a few illustrative examples. Yet the erasure is neither total nor final. Many characteristics of the city's black population in the early decades of the century are retrievable, some via census and other statistical data and others through historical sources and retrospective interviews. This paper draws upon census data to estimate the dimensions of Middletown's racial divide over the years. For the period 1977–1999, the census data are supplemented by survey data from high school students, and trends in racial differentiation in selected student attitudes are examined. Findings are mixed and only partially support the model of convergence, or a trend of declining racial differentiation in Middletown. For many indicators, including several with long–term or intergenerational effects, continued racial disparity is apparent. Substantial vestiges of the “great divide” remain, and there seems little prospect of their pending resolution.
Gentrification Trends in New Transit‐Oriented Communities: Evidence from 14 Cities That Expanded and Built Rail Transit Systems
Authors: Kahn Matthew E.
Published: May 2007

Over 25 billion dollars were spent between 1970 and 2000 in 14 major cities in the United States on the construction of new rail transit lines. This massive investment in rail transit construction and expansion allows me to study the consequences of local public goods improvements for communities nearby new stations. This article uses a 14‐city census tract–level panel data set covering the years 1970 to 2000 to document significant heterogeneity in the effects of rail transit expansions across the 14 cities. Communities receiving increased access to new “Walk and Ride” stations experience greater gentrification than communities that are now close to new “Park and Ride” stations.
The Spatial Proximity of Metropolitan Area Housing Submarkets
Authors: Goodman Allen C. , Thibodeau Thomas G.
Published: May 2007

An important question related to housing submarket construction is whether geographic areas must be spatially adjacent in order to be considered the same submarket. Housing consumers do not necessarily limit their search to spatially concentrated areas and may search similarly priced neighborhoods located throughout a metropolitan area when making housing consumption decisions. This article examines two alternative procedures for delineating submarkets: one that combines adjacent census block groups into areas with enough transactions to estimate the parameters of a hedonic house price equation and a second that permits spatial discontinuities in submarkets. The criterion used to evaluate the alternative techniques is the accuracy of hedonic house price predictions.
Doppler‐Derived Indexes and B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide in Prediction of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Essential Hypertension: A Prospective Study
Authors: Badran Hala Mahfouz , Eid Manal Abd Elwahed , Michael Atef
Published: May 2007

Background: Onset of atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients is usually associated with a high occurrence of cardiovascular complications. Despite its leading importance as a highly prevalent and modifiable risk factor, only a few data are available regarding the predictors of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in hypertensive patients. Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine if PAF could be predicted in hypertensive patients while in sinus rhythm using Doppler‐derived indexes and the plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 165 consecutive patients with hypertension and no known history of PAF or cardiovascular events who attended the cardiology outpatient clinic. Their mean age was 62 ± 12, 94 male, 71 female. The conventional echocardiographic parameters were measured including: left atrial (LA) volume, mitral regurgitation (MR), left ventricular (LV) function, LV mass. The ratio of transmitral peak E‐wave velocity to flow propagation velocity (E/Vp), ratio of E‐wave to mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/Ea) obtained by Doppler tissue at the lateral and septal corners of the mitral annulus were calculated. The plasma BNP was measured at the study entry. Results: After a mean follow‐up of 15 ± 3 months, PAF (symptomatic attacks or documented on the ECG) occurred in 36 (21.8%) of 165 patients. The patients with PAF had significant higher BNP levels than those with sinus rhythm (160 ± 109.8 vs. 87.9 ± 57.7 pg/ml, P < 0.001) Also, E/Ea and E/Vp ratios were significantly higher in hypertensives with PAF (15.1 ± 2.8 vs. 8.39 ± 1.33, P < 0.001), and (1.65 ± 1.29 vs. 1.19 ± 1.06, P < 0.001) respectively. In univariate analysis, E/Vp, E/Ea, and BNP and LV hypertrophy were significant predictors of PAF. Barely E/Vp and E/Ea remained independently significant after adjustment of clinical and other echocardiographic variables by multivariate logistic regression analysis (odd ratio: 3.36, P < 0.001 and 4.93, P < 0.001 respectively). A cutoff value of ≥1.7 for E/Vp predicted PAF with 91% sensitivity and 88% specificity; E/Ea >12 has sensitivity 98%, specificity 89%, while BNP>170 pg/ml has 83% and 72% specificity, respectively, for prediction of PAF in hypertensive patients. Conclusion: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation could be predicted in hypertensive patients while in sinus rhythm using Doppler‐derived indexes. Increased E/Vp, E/Ea ratios and elevated BNP appear to be useful parameters to identify patients at heightened risk. They may reflect early left ventricular dysfunction and atrial hypertension in this population.
Evaluation of Left Atrial Size in Patients with Atrial Arrhythmias: Comparison of Standard 2D Versus Real Time 3D Echocardiography
Authors: Müller Hajo , Burri Haran , Shah Dipen , Lerch René
Published: May 2007

Aim: Two‐dimensional echocardiography may not correctly indicate size in nonspherical atria. The present study compares different parameters of left atrial size evaluated by standard two‐dimensional echocardiography with left atrial volume measured using three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE). Methods and results: One hundred seventy consecutive patients with a history of atrial arrhythmias were studied by standard two‐dimensional and by real time 3DE. Of these 166 (98%) recordings were of sufficient quality for interpretation by both imaging techniques. The following parameters of left atrial size were measured: parasternal long axis diameter (PLAX), apical 4‐chamber short‐axis diameter (4CH short axis), apical 4‐chamber (4CH long axis), and 2‐chamber long‐axis diameters and planimetry areas. Two‐dimensional‐derived left atrial volumes were calculated by using both single plane (4CH area‐length) and biplane area‐length methods. The 2D parameters were then correlated with left atrial volume measured by 3D echocardiography. Linear regression analysis showed moderate correlation for 4‐chamber planimetry area (r = 0.76, P < 0.0001) and 2D‐derived volume calculations (r of 4CH single plane area‐length LA volume = 0.74 and biplane area‐length LA volume = 0.78, P < 0.0001). Diameters correlated less well with 3DE volume (r of PLAX = 0.67, 4CH short axis = 0.68, 4CH long axis = 0.63, P < 0.0001 respectively). Conclusion: The results demonstrate that measurements of dimensions using standard echocardiography are of limited accuracy to assess left atrial volume. If 3DE is not available, 4‐chamber planimetry area is a valid simple parameter for evaluating left atrial size in clinical practice. Two‐dimensional‐derived volume by biplane area‐length method was only slightly better correlated with 3DE volume than 4‐chamber planimetry area.
Cardiac Herniation and Volvulus with Acquired Dextrocardia: Echocardiographic Diagnosis
Authors: Nanda Sudip , Pamula John , Bhatt Surya Prakash , Turki Mohamed A. , Myers Ellen , Dale Thompson
Published: May 2007

We report an extremely rare cause of elevated jugular venous pulse where two esoteric causes for the same—cardiac volvulus and cardiac herniation have occurred together. Echocardiographic evidence for making the diagnosis of cardiac volvulus—subcostal long axis, subcostal short axis, and suprasternal views—have been presented. Awareness of this complication is necessary as immediate intervention is mandatory for a positive outcome.
Immunohistochemical expression of β‐catenin, E‐cadherin, cyclin D1 and c‐myc in benign trichogenic tumors
Authors: Demirkan Neşe Çallı , Bir Ferda , Erdem Özlem , Düzcan Ender
Published: May 2007

Background:  β‐catenin gene mutations have been reported in vast majority of pilomatrixomas (PMXs). β‐catenin, a component of the adhesion molecules of the cytoskeleton, is degraded at the cytoplasm. Excess cytoplasmic β‐catenin enters into the nucleus and activates the transcription of several genes encoding c‐myc, cyclin D1 and others. Sublocation of β‐catenin has been demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. The aim of this study was to determine the role of β‐catenin‐related proteins in various benign trichogenic tumors.

Methods:  We investigated the expression of β‐catenin, E‐cadherin, c‐myc and cyclin D1 immunohistochemically, and the expression of these molecules were compared between two groups consisting of 12 PMXs and 12 other benign trichogenic tumors (OBTTs).

Results:  In PMX group, nuclear and/or cytoplasmic expression of β‐catenin was associated with a loss of membranous expression of E‐cadherin (p = 0.002). In OBTT group, a membranous expression of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin was observed, and there was a stronger nuclear immunoreactivity of cyclin D1 compared with PMX group (p = 0.006).

Conclusions:  In PMX, nuclear and/or cytoplasmic β‐catenin expression of tumoral cells is not related with β‐catenin‐related gene expressions (c‐myc or cyclin D1). The molecular behaviour of OBTTs is clearly different from that of PMXs in terms of to E‐cadherin and β‐catenin expression.
Generalized vasculitic exanthem following Loxosceles reclusa envenomation
Authors: Robb Christopher W. , Hayes Benjamin B. , Boyd Alan S.
Published: May 2007

Brown recluse spider bites (BRSB) cause a myriad of reactions ranging from local necrosis to potentially lethal systemic involvement. Envenomation may induce a generalized exanthem known clinically but not described histologically. We report a 49‐year‐old female who developed a generalized exanthem 24 hours after BRSB. The histopathology demonstrated a necrotizing vasculitis similar to that seen at an envenomation site but without epidermal necrosis. Loxoscelism should be considered in patients residing in endemic areas who present with a vasculitic exanthem.
Zur Biographie Thomas Manns: Erkenntnisse aus Biographien der Familienmitglieder
Authors: Lehnert Herbert
Published: May 2007

Es gibt viel ungedrucktes Material zur Biographie der Familienmitglieder, das noch mehr direktes und indirektes Licht auf die Biographie Thomas Manns werfen könnte. Dieser Bericht will nur skizzieren, was sich aus der kritischen Betrachtung der bisherigen Biographien der Familienmitglieder für Thomas Manns Biographie ergibt, er enthält darum keine Urteile über die Behandlung der Werke der Kinder in deren Biographien.
Sehenlernen und Pseudoskopie
Authors: Arndal Steffen
Published: May 2007

Die Entwicklungsfähigkeit des Sehens, die dem Sehenlernen Maltes in Paris zugrunde liegt, ist keine Erfindung Rilkes, sondern eine Vorstellung, die in die Aufklärung zurückreicht. Als Reaktion gegen die anfängliche Betonung des im kognitiven Sinne ,,richtigen‘‘ Sehens im Zeichenunterricht des 18. Jahrhunderts entstand um 1900 eine u.a. von John Ruskin und der Kunsterziehungsbewegung inspirierte Pflege eines eher kontemplativen ,,künstlerischen‘‘ Sehens, das von Rilke weiterentwickelt wurde. Von der Kunst Cézannes beeinflusst, nutzte er verschiedene Aspekte der binokularen Raumwahrnehmung, um abstoßende Gesichtseindrücke in die Totalität des ,,Seienden‘‘ einzuordnen. Durch dieses neue Sehen versucht Malte, die abschreckenden Aspekte seines Pariserlebnisses zu verarbeiten, gleichzeitig zeichnen sich erhellende Zusammenhänge zwischen der Bedeutung des Gesichtssinns im mittleren Werk Rilkes, etwa auch in den Neuen Gedichten, und der Sichtbarkeitsproblematik im Spätwerk, z.B. in den Duineser Elegien, ab.
Atherogenic lipoprotein parameters in patients with aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Rufail M. L. , Schenkein H. A. , Koertge T. E. , Best A. M. , Barbour S. E. , Tew J. G. , Van Antwerpen R.
Published: May 2007

Background and Objective:  Certain types of chronic infection increase the plasma level of very‐low‐density lipoprotein, leading to formation of the particularly atherogenic low‐density lipoprotein subclass, small dense low‐density lipoprotein. In the present study, we examined whether aggressive forms of periodontis are associated with these atherogenic lipoprotein parameters.

Material and Methods:  Twelve healthy control subjects without periodontitis, 12 subjects with localized aggressive periodontitis and 12 subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis were studied. Lipoprotein subclass levels were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance methodology.

Results:  Healthy control subjects, localized aggressive periodontitis subjects and generalized aggressive periodontitis subjects had progressively higher plasma levels of very‐low‐density lipoprotein and progressively smaller average low‐density lipoprotein size (p < 0.05, one‐way analysis of variance). In pairwise comparisons, differences were only significant between healthy controls and generalized aggressive periodontitis subjects (p < 0.05, Tukey's post test). After adjustment for body mass index, the mean periodontal pocket depth correlated positively with plasma very‐low‐density lipoprotein levels (p = 0.047). Very‐low‐density lipoprotein concentrations correlated positively with small dense low‐density lipoprotein levels and negatively with average low‐density lipoprotein size. Prevalence of the atherogenic lipoprotein pattern‐B in healthy controls, localized aggressive periodontitis subjects and generalized aggressive periodontitis subjects was 8.3%, 33.3% and 66.6%, respectively.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that periodontal infection is associated with elevated plasma levels of atherogenic lipoprotein species. This association may account for the increased risk of periodontitis patients for cardiovascular disease.
Interdisciplinary Approach to Treating a Patient with Amelogenesis Imperfecta: A Clinical Report
Authors: Akin Hakan , Tasveren Semi̇h , Yeler Defne Yalçin
Published: May 2007

Treatment of a patient with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) presents a real problem from both functional and esthetic points of view. An esthetic result also will result in an improvement in the patient’s quality of life. This clinical report illustrates the oral rehabilitation of a 24‐year‐old man diagnosed with hypomature type of AI. The aim of treatment was to both restore esthetics and improve masticatory function. Esthetic expectations of the patient were successfully attained by placing all‐porcelain crowns from canine to canine in each arch, 12 crowns total. Moreover, metal‐ceramic three‐unit fixed partial dentures for the missing mandibular right first molars were fabricated for the patient’s masticatory function. Resin composite restorations were applied to the maxillary premolars, the maxillary right first molar, the mandibular left premolars, and the right first premolar to modify the occlusion. No deterioration in the restorations and no pathology associated with the rehabilitation were found at the 1‐year recall, and the patient’s esthetic and functional expectations were satisfied.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This article provides an overview of an interdisciplinary approach to treating the difficult condition of AI using a combination of treatments to achieve optimal esthetics and function.
Effect of Zoe Temporary Restoration on Resin‐Dentin Bond Strength Using Different Adhesive Strategies
Authors: Carvalho Ceci Nunes , De Oliveira Bauer José roberto , Loguercio Alessandro Dourado , Reis Alessandra
Published: May 2007

Statement of the Problem:  Eugenol is a radical scavenger that inhibits the polymerization of resin materials. Little is known about the effect of a eugenol‐containing temporary restorative material on the resin‐dentin bond strength of adhesive systems that partially dissolves and modifies the smear layer.

Purpose of the Study:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of eugenol‐containing temporary restoration (zinc oxide eugenol [ZOE]) on the resin‐dentin microshear bond strength of etch‐and‐rinse and self‐etch adhesives.

Material and Methods:  The roots of 18 human molars were removed and the crowns of the teeth were transversally sectioned into two halves. The dentin surfaces were embedded in acrylic resin. Half of the samples were stored while the remaining specimens were restored with eugenol‐containing temporary restoration. After 24 hours, the ZOE restoration was mechanically removed and dentin surfaces were ultrasonically cleaned. Dentin surfaces were treated with one of the following adhesives: Single Bond, Clearfil SE, and iBond. Six cylinders of Z250 (0.5 mm high and 0.75 mm in diameter) were applied to each bonded dentin surface using a tygon tube. After storage for 24 hours, the specimens were subjected to micro‐shear testing. The data was subjected to a two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (α=0.05).

Results:  Similar bond strength values were obtained for Single Bond (p=0.48) either in the control or in the ZOE‐treated group. For both self‐etch systems, the bond strength in the ZOE‐treated group was statistically lower than the control group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Although the prior use of eugenol‐containing temporary restoration (IRM) affects the resin‐dentin bond strength of the etch‐and‐rinse Single Bond, a more pronounced reduction on bond strength was observed for the two self‐etch systems evaluated (iBond, Clearfil SE Bond).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Eugenol‐containing provisional restorations (IRM) should not be used prior to the placement of resin restorations bonded with the two‐step etch‐and‐rinse Single Bond and the self‐etch adhesives systems iBond and Clearfil SE Bond.
Clinical Trials of Xenotransplantation: Waiver of the Right to Withdraw from a Clinical Trial Should Be Required
Authors: Spillman Monique A. , Sade Robert M.
Published: May 2007

Xenotransplantation is defined as “any procedure that involves the transplantation, implantation, or infusion into a human recipient of either (a) live cells, tissues, or organs from a nonhuman animal source, or (b) human body fluids, cells, tissues or organs that have had ex vivo contact with live nonhuman animal cells, tissues, or organs.” Xenotransplantation has been viewed by desperate patients and their surgeons as a solution to the problem of the paucity of human organs available for transplantation. Foes of xenotransplantation argue that the use of animal organs degrades the human race and should be avoided.

In this paper, we briefly review the cultural context of xenotransplantation and explore the infectious disease risk of xenotransplantation. The United States Code of Federal Regulations requires life-long surveillance of a xenotransplantation recipient due to the largely unknown risk of novel infectious disease transmitted across species, known as xenogeneic infectious disease. We argue that despite being in the interest of protecting the public health, the imposition of lifelong surveillance requirements on xenotransplant recipients effectively abrogates the right to withdraw from a clinical trial after the transplantation has taken place. Moreover, we argue that a waiver of the right to withdraw should be made explicit in the interest of full disclosure, out of respect for the research subject’s right of self-determination.
Ethics of Population-Based Research
Authors: Taylor Holly A. , Johnson Summer
Published: May 2007

Multiple scholars and institutions have asked what distinguishes public health research from public health practice. Most often, they ask in order to have a clear definition of what one does in various public health settings to assess oversight and/or regulation of human subjects research. More importantly, however, whether something is considered public health research or public health practice has real ethical implications in terms of the general moral considerations at stake and the obligations of public health researchers/practitioners to the populations they serve or study.

Numerous examples in recent history of research ethics, including the Kennedy Krieger Lead Abatement Study and EPA’s Children’s Environmental Exposure Research Study (CHEERS), suggest that an exploration of the ethics of public health, or more generally population-based research, may be warranted. Although we acknowledge that there are important ethical issues to consider in the implementation of public health practice, we leave that discussion for other authors.
Energy Saving in Pneumatic Servo Control Utilizing Interchamber Cross-Flow
Authors: Shen Xiangrong , Goldfarb Michael
Published: May 2007

This paper proposes a structure and control approach for the energy saving servo control of a pneumatic servo system. The energy saving approach is enabled by supplementing a standard four-way spool valve controlled pneumatic actuator with an additional two-way valve that enables flow between the cylinder chambers. The “crossflow” valve enables recirculation of pressurized air, and thus enables the extraction of stored energy that would otherwise be exhausted to the atmosphere. A control approach is formulated that supplements, to the extent possible, the mass flow required by a sliding mode controller with the recirculated mass flow provided by the crossflow valve. Following the control formulation, experimental results are presented that indicate energy savings of 25–52%, with essentially no compromise in tracking performance relative to the standard sliding mode control approach (i.e., relative to control via a standard four-way spool valve, without the supplemental flow provided by the crossflow valve).
Diversity of Nitrite Reductase Genes in “
Candidatus
Accumulibacter phosphatis”-Dominated Cultures Enriched by Flow-Cytometric Sorting
Authors: Miyauchi Ryuki , Oki Kazuma , Aoi Yoshiteru , Tsuneda Satoshi
Published: May 2007

“
Candidatus
Accumulibacter phosphatis” is considered a polyphosphate-accumulating organism (PAO) though it has not been isolated yet. To reveal the denitrification ability of this organism, we first concentrated this organism by flow cytometric sorting following fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using specific probes for this organism. The purity of the target cells was about 97% of total cell count in the sorted sample. The PCR amplification of the nitrite reductase genes (
nirK
and
nirS
) from unsorted and sorted cells was performed. Although
nirK
and
nirS
were amplified from unsorted cells, only
nirS
was detected from sorted cells, indicating that “
Ca
. Accumulibacter phosphatis” has
nirS
. Furthermore,
nirS
fragments were cloned from unsorted (Ba clone library) and sorted (Bd clone library) cells and classified by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The most dominant clone in clone library Ba, which represented 62% of the total number of clones, was not found in clone library Bd. In contrast, the most dominant clone in clone library Bd, which represented 59% of the total number of clones, represented only 2% of the total number of clones in clone library Ba, indicating that this clone could be that of “
Ca
. Accumulibacter phosphatis.” The sequence of this
nirS
clone exhibited less than 90% similarity to the sequences of known denitrifying bacteria in the database. The recovery of the
nirS
genes makes it likely that “
Ca
. Accumulibacter phosphatis” behaves as a denitrifying PAO capable of utilizing nitrite instead of oxygen as an electron acceptor for phosphorus uptake.
Suitability of Flow Cytometry for Estimating Bacterial Biovolume in Natural Plankton Samples: Comparison with Microscopy Data
Authors: Felip Marisol , Andreatta Stefan , Sommaruga Ruben , Straskrábová Viera , Catalan Jordi
Published: May 2007

The relationship between flow cytometry data and epifluorescence microscopy measurements was assessed in bacterioplankton samples from 80 lakes to estimate bacterial biovolume and cell size distribution. The total counts of 4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenylindole-stained cells estimated by both methods were significantly related, and the slope of their linear regression was not significantly different from 1, indicating that both methods produce very similar estimates of bacterial abundance. The relationships between side scatter (SSC) and 4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenylindole fluorescence and cell volume (microscopy values) were improved by binning of the data in three frequency classes for each, but further increases in the number of classes did not improve these relationships. Side scatter was the best cell volume predictor, and significant relationships were observed between the SSC classes and the smallest (
R
2
= 0.545,
P
< 0.001,
n
= 80) and the largest (
R
2
= 0.544,
P
< 0.001,
n
= 80) microscopy bacterial-size classes. Based on these relationships, a reliable bacterial biomass estimation was obtained from the SSC frequency classes. Our study indicates that flow cytometry can be used to properly estimate bacterioplankton biovolume, with an accuracy similar to those of more time-consuming microscopy methods.
Mutations of the
Corynebacterium glutamicum
NCgl1221 Gene, Encoding a Mechanosensitive Channel Homolog, Induce
l
-Glutamic Acid Production
Authors: Nakamura Jun , Hirano Seiko , Ito Hisao , Wachi Masaaki
Published: May 2007

Corynebacterium glutamicum
is a biotin auxotroph that secretes
l
-glutamic acid in response to biotin limitation; this process is employed in industrial
l
-glutamic acid production. Fatty acid ester surfactants and penicillin also induce
l
-glutamic acid secretion, even in the presence of biotin. However, the mechanism of
l
-glutamic acid secretion remains unclear. It was recently reported that disruption of
odhA
, encoding a subunit of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, resulted in
l
-glutamic acid secretion without induction. In this study, we analyzed
odhA
disruptants and found that those which exhibited constitutive
l
-glutamic acid secretion carried additional mutations in the NCgl1221 gene, which encodes a mechanosensitive channel homolog. These NCgl1221 gene mutations lead to constitutive
l
-glutamic acid secretion even in the absence of
odhA
disruption and also render cells resistant to an
l
-glutamic acid analog, 4-fluoroglutamic acid. Disruption of the NCgl1221 gene essentially abolishes
l
-glutamic acid secretion, causing an increase in the intracellular
l
-glutamic acid pool under biotin-limiting conditions, while amplification of the wild-type NCgl1221 gene increased
l
-glutamate secretion, although only in response to induction. These results suggest that the NCgl1221 gene encodes an
l
-glutamic acid exporter. We propose that treatments that induce
l
-glutamic acid secretion alter membrane tension and trigger a structural transformation of the NCgl1221 protein, enabling it to export
l
-glutamic acid.
Cryptococcus neoformans
Biofilm Formation Depends on Surface Support and Carbon Source and Reduces Fungal Cell Susceptibility to Heat, Cold, and UV Light
Authors: Martinez Luis R. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: May 2007

The fungus
Cryptococcus neoformans
possesses a polysaccharide capsule and can form biofilms on medical devices. We describe the characteristics of
C. neoformans
biofilm development using a microtiter plate model, microscopic examinations, and a colorimetric 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium-hydroxide (XTT) reduction assay to observe the metabolic activity of cryptococci within a biofilm. A strong correlation between XTT and CFU assays was demonstrated. Chemical analysis of the exopolymeric material revealed sugar composition consisting predominantly of xylose, mannose, and glucose, indicating the presence of other polysaccharides in addition to glucurunoxylomannan. Biofilm formation was affected by surface support differences, conditioning films on the surface, characteristics of the medium, and properties of the microbial cell. A specific antibody to the capsular polysaccharide of this fungus was used to stain the extracellular polysaccharide matrix of the fungal biofilms using light and confocal microscopy. Additionally, the susceptibility of
C. neoformans
biofilms and planktonic cells to environmental stress was investigated using XTT reduction and CFU assays. Biofilms were less susceptible to heat, cold, and UV light exposition than their planktonic counterparts. Our findings demonstrate that fungal biofilm formation is dependent on support surface characteristics and that growth in the biofilm state makes fungal cells less susceptible to potential environmental stresses.
Novel Redox Potential-Based Screening Strategy for Rapid Isolation of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Mutants with Enhanced 1,3-Propanediol-Producing Capability
Authors: Du Chenyu , Zhang Yanping , Li Yin , Cao Zhu'an
Published: May 2007

This report describes a novel redox potential (oxidoreduction potential [ORP])-based screening strategy for the isolation of mutants of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
which have an increased ability to produce 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD). This method can be described as follows: first, to determine an ORP range which is preferred for the wild-type strain to grow and to produce 1,3-PD; second, to subject a chemically mutagenized culture to a reduced ORP level which is deleterious for the wild-type strain. Colonies that showed high specific growth rates at deleterious ORP levels were selected, and their abilities to produce 1,3-PD were investigated. In an ORP-based screening experiment where the ORP was controlled at −280 mV, 4 out of 11 isolated strains were recognized as positive mutant strains. A mutant which is capable of producing higher concentrations of 1,3-PD was subjected to fed-batch fermentations for further characterization. Its preferred ORP level (−280 mV) was significantly lower than that of its parent (−190 mV). The highest 1,3-PD concentration of the mutant was 915 mmol liter
−1
, which was 63.1% higher than that of the parent. Metabolic-flux analysis suggested that the intracellular reductive branch of the mutant was strengthened, which improved 1,3-PD biosynthesis. The procedure and results presented here provide a novel method of screening for strains with improved product formation.
Split-Ubiquitin Two-Hybrid Assay To Analyze Protein-Protein Interactions at the Endosome: Application to
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Bro1 Interacting with ESCRT Complexes, the Doa4 Ubiquitin Hydrolase, and the Rsp5 Ubiquitin Ligase
Authors: Nikko Elina , André Bruno
Published: May 2007

Targeting of membrane proteins into the lysosomal/vacuolar lumen for degradation requires their prior sorting into multivesicular bodies (MVB). The MVB sorting pathway depends on ESCRT-0, -I, -II, and -III protein complexes functioning on the endosomal membrane and on additional factors, such as Bro1/Alix and the ubiquitin ligase Rsp5/Nedd4. We used the split-ubiquitin two-hybrid assay to analyze the interaction partners of yeast Bro1 at its natural cellular location. We show that Bro1 interacts with ESCRT-I and -III components, including Vps23, the
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
homologue of human Tsg101. These interactions do not require the C-terminal proline-rich domain (PRD) of Bro1. Rather, this PRD interacts with the Doa4 deubiquitinating enzyme to recruit it to the endosome. This interaction is disrupted by a single amino acid substitution in the conserved ELC box motif in Doa4. The PRD of Bro1 also mediates an association with Rsp5, and this interaction appears to be conserved, as Alix, the human homologue of Bro1, coimmunoprecipitates with Nedd4 in yeast lysates. We further show that the Bro1 PRD domain is essential to MVB sorting of only cargo proteins whose sorting to the vacuolar lumen is dependent on their own ubiquitination and Doa4. The Bro1 region preceding the PRD, however, is required for MVB sorting of proteins irrespective of whether their targeting to the vacuole is dependent on their ubiquitination and Doa4. Our data indicate that Bro1 interacts with several ESCRT components and contributes via its PRD to associating ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating enzymes with the MVB sorting machinery.
FtsZ Directs a Second Mode of Peptidoglycan Synthesis inEscherichia coli
Authors: Varma Archana , de Pedro Miguel A. , Young Kevin D.
Published: May 2007

Certain penicillin binding protein mutants ofEscherichia coligrow with spirillum-like morphologies when the FtsZ protein is inhibited, suggesting that FtsZ might govern aspects of cell wall growth other than those strictly associated with septation. While investigating the mechanism of spiral cell formation, we discovered conditions for visualizing this second function of FtsZ. Normally, inhibiting the cytoskeleton protein MreB forcesE. colicells to grow as smoothly enlarging spheres from which the poles disappear, yielding coccoid or lemon-shaped forms. However, when FtsZ and MreB were inhibited simultaneously in a strain lacking PBP 5 and PBP 7, the resulting cells ballooned outward but retained conspicuous rod-shaped extensions at sites representing the original poles. This visual phenotype was paralleled by the biochemistry of sacculus growth. Muropeptides are usually inserted homogeneously into the lateral cell walls, but when FtsZ polymerization was inhibited, the incorporation of new material occurred mainly in the central regions of cells and was significantly lower in those portions of side walls abutting a pole. Thus, reduced precursor incorporation into side walls near the poles explained why these regions retained their rod-like morphology while the rest of the cell grew spherically. Also, inhibiting FtsZ increased the amount of pentapeptides in sacculi by about one-third. Finally, the MreB protein directed the helical or diagonal incorporation of new peptidoglycan into the wall, but the location of that incorporation depended on whether FtsZ was active. In sum, the results indicate that in addition to nucleating cell septation inE. coli, FtsZ can direct the insertion of new peptidoglycan into portions of the lateral wall.
An office-place stepping device to promote workplace physical activity
Authors: McAlpine David A , Manohar Chinmay U , McCrady Shelly K , Hensrud Donald , Levine James A
Published: May 2007

Objective:

It was proposed that an office-place stepping device is associated with significant and substantial increases in energy expenditure compared to sitting energy expenditure. The objective was to assess the effect of using an office-place stepping device on the energy expenditure of lean and obese office workers.

Methods:

The office-place stepping device is an inexpensive, near-silent, low-impact device that can be housed under a standard desk and plugged into an office PC for self-monitoring. Energy expenditure was measured in lean and obese subjects using the stepping device and during rest, sitting and walking. 19 subjects (27±9 years, 85±23 kg): 9 lean (BMI<25 kg/m2) and 10 obese (BMI>29 kg/m2) attended the experimental office facility. Energy expenditure was measured at rest, while seated in an office chair, standing, walking on a treadmill and while using the office-place stepping device.

Results:

The office-place stepping device was associated with an increase in energy expenditure above sitting in an office chair by 289±102 kcal/hour (p<0.001). The increase in energy expenditure was greater for obese (335±99 kcal/hour) than for lean subjects (235±80 kcal/hour; p = 0.03). The increments in energy expenditure were similar to exercise-style walking.

Conclusion:

The office-place stepping device could be an approach for office workers to increase their energy expenditure. If the stepping device was used to replace sitting by 2 hours per day and if other components of energy balance were constant, weight loss of 20 kg/year could occur.
CD5-positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma arising from a CD5-positive follicular lymphoma
Authors: Vassallo José , Bousquet Marina , Quelen Cathy , Al Saati Talal , Delsol Georges , Brousset Pierre
Published: May 2007

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a neoplasm originating from germinal centre cells, corresponding to 25–40% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Transformation into diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occurs in about one-third of cases. CD5 is expressed in B-chronic lymphoid leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma, but can rarely be expressed in conjunction with CD10 in well-documented cases of FL. In this report one case of grade 1 FL is described, which transformed into a DLBCL 6 months after initial diagnosis, with both tumours expressing CD5. In both specimens, neoplastic cells were strongly positive for CD20, CD79a, bcl-2, bcl-6 and CD5 in virtually all cells. CD10 was strongly positive in initial specimens and weakly positive in the DLBCL. Investigation using the PCR confirmed the derivation of the DLBCL from the FL as they presented the same immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement and the same BCL2-JHbreak point.
Therapy-related,mixed-lineage leukaemiatranslocation-positive, monoblastic myeloid sarcoma of the uterus
Authors: Pullarkat Vinod , Veliz Leslie , Chang Karen , Mohrbacher Ann , Teotico Anna Lizza , Forman Stephen J , Slovak Marilyn L
Published: May 2007

Myeloid sarcomas are tumour masses of myeloid leukaemic cells at extramedullary sites. These tumours can, on occasion, occur without concurrent or antecedent leukaemia. Myeloid sarcomas have been described at unusual locations including the female genital tract. An unusual case of therapy-related acute myeloid leukaemia (t-AML) presenting as isolated monoblastic myeloid sarcoma of the uterus in a patient who had received adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is presented. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation analysis performed on paraffin-wax-embedded tumour tissue revealed amixed-lineage leukaemia (MLL)gene rearrangement, supporting the association of this malignancy with prior chemotherapy. This case illustrates that t-AML can rarely present as isolated extramedullary tumours, and the detection of specific chromosomal abnormalities in these myeloid sarcomas can be useful for risk assessment and guiding definitive therapy.
Falsely normal C4 in a case of acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency: Table 1
Authors: McLean-Tooke Andrew , Stroud Catherine , Sampson Anne , Spickett Gavin
Published: May 2007

A 59-year-old lady presented with recurrent angioedema without urticaria. The clinical history and examination were consistent with an acquired C1 esterase deficiency secondary to lymphoproliferative disease. Despite a low C1 esterase level, the C4 level assayed by nephelometry on our automated analyser was normal. Analysis using different nephelometric analysers revealed consistently low C4, despite consistent normal readings in our analyser. Further investigation revealed an IgM-κ paraprotein that seemed to interfere with both this and haematology coagulation assays. Splenic marginal zone lymphoma was confirmed on bone marrow biopsy. Monoclonal paraproteins may interfere with nephelometric, turbidimetric and immunological assays in a non-antibody-specific manner and should be considered when there are unusual or unexpected results, particularly in a patient with lymphoproliferative disease.
BNIP3 expression in endometrial cancer relates to active hypoxia inducible factor 1α pathway and prognosis
Authors: Giatromanolaki A , Koukourakis M I , Gatter K C , Harris A L , Sivridis E
Published: May 2007

Aims:

BNIP3 is a pro-apoptotic mitochondrial protein induced under hypoxic stress, with the BNIP3 gene being under direct regulation of the hypoxia-inducible HIF-1α transcription factor. Induction of BNIP3 leads to caspase-independent necrosis-like cell death and an aggressive tumour phenotype. The role of BNIP3 in endometrial cancer was examined.

Methods:

The immunohistochemical patterns of BNIP3 expression in 72 early endometrial adenocarcinomas of the endometrioid cell type were studied. Correlation of BNIP3 with the hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1α pathway and with prognosis was also examined.

Results:

BNIP3 was strongly and extensively expressed in the cytoplasm of cancer cells in 23/72 (31.9%) cases. This high BNIP3 reactivity was not related to histological grade, depth of myometrial invasion or steroid hormone receptor expression. There was, however, a significant association of BNIP3 reactivity with HIF-1α (p = 0.04), VEGF (p = 0.04) and, particularly, LDH-5 expression (p = 0.0001). Furthermore, high BNIP3 was associated with poor survival in both univariate (p = 0.05) and multivariate (p = 0.03) models.

Conclusion:

BNIP3 seems to be an important hypoxia-regulated molecule involved in endometrial cancer pathology. Given that high BNIP3 reactivity, being linked with poor post-operative outcome, has been linked with a favourable response to cytotoxic therapy (as previously indicated in experimental studies), high BNIP3 expression may be an indicator for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in stage I endometrial carcinomas.