bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key success factors in an ASR scheme
Authors: Eastwood John C. , Stanfield Paul J.
Published: September 2010

Wessex Water in conjunction with CH2 MHill and the British Geological Survey (BGS) has recently completed a major 3 year investigation into the resource potential of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) in a confined Chalk aquifer. The main part of the investigation followed the approach that has been successfully adopted in developing many ASR schemes in America in which the aim is to create a reservoir of potable water within a non-potable aquifer. In the Wessex Water case study it was found that elevated levels of fluoride prevented a potable reservoir being created, even after a 2 year programme of injection and recovery cycles. In terms of strict water quality criteria ASR was deemed unsuccessful. However when modelling the hydraulic response of the aquifer it confirmed that an ASR abstraction regime created little or no environmental impact and offered significant environmental advantages when compared with conventional groundwater development. It has always been assumed that ASR schemes have this inherent environmental advantage, but it is believed that this is the first time these benefits have been clearly demonstrated at a specific ASR site.

The lesson that can be drawn from these results is that environmental acceptability is fundamental to the success of an ASR scheme whereas securing water quality improvements is more likely to be important in determining scheme cost effectiveness. At a time when finding environmentally acceptable resource schemes is becoming increasingly difficult, ASR has a potentially significant advantage over alternative forms of resource development. However, the authors are concerned that because most case studies in England are focusing on water quality issues, these will be viewed as the key success factors for ASR and that its inherent environmental advantages will be overlooked. With most case studies reporting difficulties in meeting water quality objectives this could lead to the general perception that ASR is unlikely to be successful in this country and result in potentially beneficial applications being rejected or not even considered.
Arginine-induced stimulation of protein synthesis and survival in IPEC-J2 cells is mediated by mTOR but not nitric oxide
Authors: Bauchart-Thevret Caroline , Cui Liwei , Wu Guoyao , Burrin Douglas G.
Published: September 2010

Arginine is an indispensable amino acid in neonates and is required for growth. Neonatal intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) are capable of arginine transport, catabolism, and synthesis and express nitric oxide (NO) synthase to produce NO from arginine. Our aim was to determine whether arginine directly stimulates IEC growth and protein synthesis and whether this effect is mediated via mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and is NO-dependent. We studied neonatal porcine IEC (IPEC-J2) cultured in serum- and arginine-free medium with increasing arginine concentrations for 4 or 48 h. Our results show that arginine enhances IPEC-J2 cell survival and protein synthesis, with a maximal response at a physiological concentration (0.1–0.5 mM). Addition of arginine increased the activation of mTOR, p70 ribosomal protein S6 (p70 S6) kinase, and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The arginine-induced protein synthesis response was not inhibited by the NO inhibitors nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) and aminoguanidine, despite inducible NO synthase expression in IPEC-J2 cells. Moreover, protein synthesis was not increased or decreased in some cases by addition of an NO donor ( S-nitroso- N-acetylpenicillamine), arginine precursors (proline and citrulline) in the absence of arginine, or insulin; S-nitroso- N-acetylpenicillamine suppressed phosphorylation of mTOR, p70 S6 kinase, and 4E-BP1. We found a markedly higher arginase activity in IPEC-J2 cells than in primary pig IEC. Furthermore, mTOR inhibition by rapamycin partially (42%) reduced the arginine-induced protein synthesis response and phosphorylation of mTOR and 4E-BP1. We conclude that arginine-dependent cell survival and protein synthesis signaling in IPEC-J2 cells are mediated by mTOR, but not by NO.
β-Cell-specific pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency impairs glucose-stimulated insulin secretion
Authors: Srinivasan Malathi , Choi Cheol S. , Ghoshal Pushpankur , Pliss Lioudmila , Pandya Jignesh D. , Hill David , Cline Gary , Patel Mulchand S.
Published: September 2010

Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) by β-cells requires the generation of ATP from oxidation of pyruvate as well as generation of coupling factors involving three different pyruvate cycling shuttles. The roles of several key enzymes involved in pyruvate cycling in β-cells have been documented using isolated islets and β-cell clonal lines. To investigate the role of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex (PDC) in GSIS, a murine model of β-cell-specific PDH deficiency (β-PDHKO) was created. Pancreatic insulin content was decreased in 1-day-old β-PDHKO male pups and adult male mice. The plasma insulin levels were decreased and blood glucose levels increased in β-PDHKO male mice from neonatal life onward. GSIS was reduced in isolated islets from β-PDHKO male mice with about 50% reduction in PDC activity. Impairment in a glucose tolerance test and in vivo insulin secretion during hyperglycemic clamp was evident in β-PDHKO adults. No change in the number or size of islets was found in pancreata from 4-wk-old β-PDHKO male mice. However, an increase in the mean size of individual β-cells in islets of these mice was observed. These findings show a key role of PDC in GSIS by pyruvate oxidation. This β-PDHKO mouse model represents the first mouse model in which a mitochondrial oxidative enzyme deletion by gene knockout has been employed to demonstrate an altered GSIS by β-cells.
MicroRNA in ischemic stroke etiology and pathology
Authors: Rink Cameron , Khanna Savita
Published: September 2010

Small, noncoding, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key mediators of posttranscriptional gene silencing in both pathogenic and pathological aspects of ischemic stroke biology. In stroke etiology, miRNA have distinct expression patterns that modulate pathogenic processes including atherosclerosis (miR-21, miR-126), hyperlipidemia (miR-33, miR-125a-5p), hypertension (miR-155), and plaque rupture (miR-222, miR-210). Following focal cerebral ischemia, significant changes in the miRNA transcriptome, independent of an effect on expression of miRNA machinery, implicate miRNA in the pathological cascade of events that include blood brain barrier disruption (miR-15a) and caspase mediated cell death signaling (miR-497). Early activation of miR-200 family members improves neural cell survival via prolyl hydroxylase mRNA silencing and subsequent HIF-1α stabilization. Pro- (miR-125b) and anti-inflammatory (miR-26a, -34a, -145, and let-7b) miRNA may also be manipulated to positively influence stroke outcomes. Recent examples of successfully implemented miRNA-therapeutics direct the future of gene therapy and offer new therapeutic strategies by regulating large sets of genes in related pathways of the ischemic stroke cascade.
Direct preparation and microstructure investigation of p-type transparent conducting Ga-doped SnO2 thin films
Authors: Yang Tieying , Qin Xiubo , Wang Huan-hua , Jia Quanjie , Yu Runsheng , Wang Baoyi , Wang Jiaou , Ibrahim Kurash , Jiang Xiaoming
Published: September 2010

Transparent p-type conducting Ga-doped SnO2 thin films were prepared using reactive rf-magnetron sputtering. Good p-type conduction was directly realized without the need of postdeposition annealing. The p-type conductivity was found to be very sensitive to the growth condition and process, suggesting that the carrier behavior is strongly related to the fine microstructure of the films. The microstructures of the films were characterized using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and specular reflectivity techniques. The valence state of the Ga dopant was measured from X-ray photoelectron spectra to explain the origin of net holes presented in the films.
XRPD patterns of opals: A brief review and new results from recent studies
Authors: Ghisoli C. , Caucia F. , Marinoni L.
Published: September 2010

A new classification of opals through X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) methodology, by analysing 75 new samples of opal came from different worldwide areas, is introduced. A brief historical summary of the application of XRPD analysis on opals and the most important XRPD results reported in literature were compared with the newly obtained XRPD data. A simple method for the classification of opals on the basis of their degrees of structural order-disorder calculated from the diffraction data is proposed. In addition, a clear boundary, which has not been previously described by others in literature, related to the presence (or absence) of two-peak characteristic of the cristobalite phase is identified. This boundary allows for a discrimination of opals C from CT.
A method of material design for systematic absence of X-ray diffraction
Authors: Wang Huan-hua
Published: September 2010

Materials with systematic absence of X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks are desirable for conducting some special researches using X-ray diffraction or time-resolved X-ray scattering. This paper proposes a method for designing this kind of materials. It utilizes solid solution to reduce the structure factor of a selected reflection to zero by choosing proper components and their contents to let the reflection amplitudes from different atomic layers in a unit cell of the solid solution cancel each other completely. This method on how to select a solid solvent and how to calculate its content was illustrated using SrTiO3 as an example. A solid solution Sr1−xCaxTiO3 with a systematic absence of the (001) diffraction can be designed, and the value of x can be determined to be x=0.54 using an iteration calculation process. This result was verified by the experimental XRD pattern of a Sr0.46Ca0.54TiO3 sample.
Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder data and bond-valence calculations of NdSrNi0.5Cr0.5O4-δ compound
Authors: Chaker Hanèn , Roisnel Thierry , Ceretti Monica , Ben Hassen R.
Published: September 2010

Compound from the solid-solution NdSrNi1−xCrxO4−δ, 0≤x≤1, has been prepared using conventional solid-state method and was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. The NdSrNi0.5Cr0.5O4−δ sample shows the adoption of the K2NiF4-type structure based on the tolerance factor calculation. X-ray diffraction analysis using the Rietveld method was carried out and it was found that NdSrNi0.5Cr0.5O4−δ compound crystallizes in tetragonal symmetry with space group I4/mmm. The lattice parameters are found to be at room temperature, a=3.8012(3) Å and c=12.4812(1) Å. For X-ray diffraction data, the reliability factors are RB=0.034, Rwp=0.089, , and χ2=1.17. Bond-valence sum calculations were performed for nickel and chromium. The changes in unit-cell parameters are discussed in terms of oxygen stoichiometry and transition metal (3d) oxidation state from the perspective of the Brown bond-valence sum calculation theory.
CONVAS2: A program for the merging of diffraction data
Authors: Rowles Matthew R.
Published: September 2010

A computer program is presented that allows for the merging of diffraction patterns collected at multiple positions on the Powder Diffraction beamline of the Australian Synchrotron. It is also generally applicable to detector systems based on other modular detectors. The program allows for the interpolation of data to a constant 2θ step size and to normalise intensities to beam current and/or monitor count rate.
Laparoscopic Retrieval of a Peritoneal Mouse
Authors: Kavanagh Dara O. , Moran Diarmaid , Flynn Robert , Neary Paul C.
Published: September 2010

A 67-year-old Caucasian male was referred by the urology service with a history of incomplete bowel emptying. He complained of tenesmus. MRI scan suggested a leiomyoma lying anterior to the rectum. He underwent examination under anaesthesia and attempted endorectal ultrasound and biopsy. However, the lesion seemed to migrate cranially and was impalpable. At laparoscopy, a mobile, unattached,5.5×5×3.5,cream-coloured ‘egg was retrieved from the retrovesical space. Histology confirmed a hyalinised fibrocollagenous lesion lined with mesothelium. A comprehensive review of the literature is presented.
MET and KRAS Gene Amplification Mediates Acquired Resistance to MET Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Cepero Virna , Sierra J. Rafael , Corso Simona , Ghiso Elena , Casorzo Laura , Perera Tim , Comoglio Paolo Maria , Giordano Silvia
Published: September 2010

The establishment of the role of MET in human cancer has led to the development of small-molecule inhibitors, many of which are currently in clinical trials. Thus far, nothing is known about their therapeutic efficacy and the possible emergence of resistance to treatment, a problem that has been often observed with other receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors. To predict mechanisms of acquired resistance, we generated resistant cells by treating MET-addicted cells with increasing concentrations of the MET small-molecule inhibitors PHA-665752 or JNJ38877605. Resistant cells displayed MET gene amplification, leading to increased expression and constitutive phosphorylation of MET, followed by subsequent amplification and overexpression of wild-type (wt) KRAS. Cells harboring KRAS amplification progressively lost their MET dependence and acquired KRAS dependence. Our results suggest that MET and KRAS amplification is a general mechanism of resistance to specific MET inhibitors given that similar results were observed with two small inhibitors and in different cell lines of different histotypes. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that overexpression of wt KRAS can overcome the inhibitory effect of a RTK inhibitor. In view of the fact that cellular models of resistance to inhibitors targeting other tyrosine kinases have predicted and corroborated clinical findings, our results provide insights into strategies for preventing and/or overcoming drug resistance. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7580–90. ©2010 AACR.
Unique DNA Methylation Patterns Distinguish Noninvasive and Invasive Urothelial Cancers and Establish an Epigenetic Field Defect in Premalignant Tissue
Authors: Wolff Erika M. , Chihara Yoshitomo , Pan Fei , Weisenberger Daniel J. , Siegmund Kimberly D. , Sugano Kokichi , Kawashima Kiyotaka , Laird Peter W. , Jones Peter A. , Liang Gangning
Published: September 2010

Urothelial cancer (UC) develops along two different genetic pathways, resulting in noninvasive or invasive tumors. However, it is unknown whether there are also different epigenetic pathways in UC. UC is also characterized by a high rate of recurrence, and the presence of a field defect has been postulated. In this study, we compared the DNA methylation patterns between noninvasive and invasive UC and the DNA methylation patterns between normal-appearing urothelium from bladders with cancer and urothelium from cancer-free bladders. We used the Illumina GoldenGate methylation assay at 1,370 loci in 49 noninvasive urothelial tumors, 38 invasive tumors with matched normal-appearing urothelium, and urothelium from 12 age-matched UC-free patients. We found distinct patterns of hypomethylation in the noninvasive tumors and widespread hypermethylation in the invasive tumors, confirming that the two pathways differ epigenetically in addition to genetically. We also found that 12% of the loci were hypermethylated in apparently normal urothelium from bladders with cancer, indicating an epigenetic field defect. X-chromosome inactivation analysis indicated that this field defect did not result in clonal expansion but occurred independently across the urothelium of bladders with cancer. The hypomethylation present in noninvasive tumors may counterintuitively provide a biological explanation for the failure of these tumors to become invasive. In addition, an epithelium-wide epigenetic defect in bladders with cancer might contribute to a loss of epithelial integrity and create a permissible environment for tumors to arise. Cancer Res; 70(20); 8169–78. ©2010 AACR.
Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibition Depletes LATS1 and LATS2, Two Regulators of the Mammalian Hippo Tumor Suppressor Pathway
Authors: Huntoon Catherine J. , Nye Monica D. , Geng Liyi , Peterson Kevin L. , Flatten Karen S. , Haluska Paul , Kaufmann Scott H. , Karnitz Larry M.
Published: September 2010

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), which regulates the functions of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways, has emerged as a novel anticancer therapeutic target, and multiple small-molecule HSP90 inhibitors are now in clinical trials. Although the effects of HSP90 inhibitors on oncogenic signaling pathways have been extensively studied, the effects of these agents on tumor suppressor signaling pathways are currently unknown. Here, we have examined how HSP90 inhibitors affect LATS1 and the related protein LATS2, two kinases that relay antiproliferative signals in the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. Both LATS1 and LATS2 were depleted from cells treated with the HSP90 inhibitors 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), radicicol, and PU-H71. Moreover, these kinases interacted with HSP90, and LATS1 isolated from 17-AAG–treated cells had reduced catalytic activity, thus showing that the kinase is a bona fide HSP90 client. Importantly, LATS1 signaling was disrupted by 17-AAG in tumor cell lines in vitro and clinical ovarian cancers in vivo as shown by reduced levels of LATS1 and decreased phosphorylation of the LATS substrate YAP, an oncoprotein transcriptional coactivator that regulates genes involved in cell and tissue growth, including the CTGF gene. Consistent with the reduced YAP phosphorylation, there were increased levels of CTGF, a secreted protein that is implicated in tumor proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Taken together, these results identify LATS1 and LATS2 as novel HSP90 clients and show that HSP90 inhibitors can disrupt the LATS tumor suppressor pathway in human cancer cells. Cancer Res; 70(21); 8642–50. ©2010 AACR.
Cancer-Related Epigenome Changes Associated with Reprogramming to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ohm Joyce E. , Mali Prashant , Van Neste Leander , Berman David M. , Liang Liang , Pandiyan Kurinji , Briggs Kimberly J. , Zhang Wei , Argani Pedram , Simons Brian , Yu Wayne , Matsui William , Van Criekinge Wim , Rassool Feyruz V. , Zambidis Elias , Schuebel Kornel E. , Cope Leslie , Yen Jonathan , Mohammad Helai P. , Cheng Linzhao , Baylin Stephen B.
Published: September 2010

The ability to induce pluripotent stem cells from committed, somatic human cells provides tremendous potential for regenerative medicine. However, there is a defined neoplastic potential inherent to such reprogramming that must be understood and may provide a model for understanding key events in tumorigenesis. Using genome-wide assays, we identify cancer-related epigenetic abnormalities that arise early during reprogramming and persist in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) clones. These include hundreds of abnormal gene silencing events, patterns of aberrant responses to epigenetic-modifying drugs resembling those for cancer cells, and presence in iPS and partially reprogrammed cells of cancer-specific gene promoter DNA methylation alterations. Our findings suggest that by studying the process of induced reprogramming, we may gain significant insight into the origins of epigenetic gene silencing associated with human tumorigenesis, and add to means of assessing iPS for safety. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7662–73. ©2010 AACR.
MicroRNA Mediates DNA Demethylation Events Triggered by Retinoic Acid during Neuroblastoma Cell Differentiation
Authors: Das Sudipto , Foley Niamh , Bryan Kenneth , Watters Karen M. , Bray Isabella , Murphy Derek M. , Buckley Patrick G. , Stallings Raymond L.
Published: September 2010

Neuroblastoma is an often fatal pediatric cancer arising from precursor cells of the sympathetic nervous system. 13-Cis retinoic acid is included in the treatment regimen for patients with high-risk disease, and a similar derivative, all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), causes neuroblastoma cell lines to undergo differentiation. The molecular signaling pathways involved with ATRA-induced differentiation are complex, and the role that DNA methylation changes might play are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genome-wide effects of ATRA on DNA methylation using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation applied to microarrays representing all known promoter and CpG islands. Four hundred and two gene promoters became demethylated, whereas 88 were hypermethylated post-ATRA. mRNA expression microarrays revealed that 82 of the demethylated genes were overexpressed by >2-fold, whereas 13 of the hypermethylated genes were underexpressed. Gene ontology analysis indicated that demethylated and re-expressed genes were enriched for signal transduction pathways, including NOS1, which is required for neural cell differentiation. As a potential mechanism for the DNA methylation changes, we show the downregulation of methyltransferases, DNMT1 and DNMT3B, along with the upregulation of endogenous microRNAs targeting them. Ectopic overexpression of miR-152, targeting DNMT1, also negatively affected cell invasiveness and anchorage-independent growth, contributing in part to the differentiated phenotype. We conclude that functionally important, miRNA-mediated DNA demethylation changes contribute to the process of ATRA-induced differentiation resulting in the activation of NOS1, a critical determinant of neural cell differentiation. Our findings illustrate the plasticity and dynamic nature of the epigenome during cancer cell differentiation. Cancer Res; 70(20); 7874–81. ©2010 AACR.
Implication of Metastasis Suppressor NM23-H1 in Maintaining Adherens Junctions and Limiting the Invasive Potential of Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Boissan Mathieu , De Wever Olivier , Lizarraga Floria , Wendum Dominique , Poincloux Renaud , Chignard Nicolas , Desbois-Mouthon Christèle , Dufour Sylvie , Nawrocki-Raby Béatrice , Birembaut Philippe , Bracke Marc , Chavrier Philippe , Gespach Christian , Lacombe Marie-Lise
Published: September 2010

Loss of NM23-H1 expression correlates with the degree of metastasis and with unfavorable clinical prognosis in several types of human carcinoma. However, the mechanistic basis for the metastasis suppressor function of NM23-H1 is obscure. We silenced NM23-H1 expression in human hepatoma and colon carcinoma cells and methodologically investigated effects on cell-cell adhesion, migration, invasion, and signaling linked to cancer progression. NM23-H1 silencing disrupted cell-cell adhesion mediated by E-cadherin, resulting in β-catenin nuclear translocation and T-cell factor/lymphoid-enhancing factor-1 transactivation. Further, NM23-H1 silencing promoted cellular scattering, motility, and extracellular matrix invasion by promoting invadopodia formation and upregulating several matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), including membrane type 1 MMP. In contrast, silencing the related NM23-H2 gene was ineffective at promoting invasion. NM23-H1 silencing activated proinvasive signaling pathways involving Rac1, mitogen-activated protein kinases, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, and src kinase. Conversely, NM23-H1 was dispensable for cancer cell proliferation in vitro and liver regeneration in NM23-M1 null mice, instead inducing cellular resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro. Analysis of NM23-H1 expression in clinical specimens revealed high expression in premalignant lesions (liver cirrhosis and colon adenoma) and the central body of primary liver or colon tumors, but downregulation at the invasive front of tumors. Our findings reveal that NM23-H1 is critical for control of cell-cell adhesion and cell migration at early stages of the invasive program in epithelial cancers, orchestrating a barrier against conversion of in situ carcinoma into invasive malignancy. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7710–22. ©2010 AACR.
Novel L284R MAPT Mutation in a Family with an Autosomal Dominant Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Syndrome
Authors: Rohrer Jonathan D. , Paviour Dominic , Vandrovcova Jana , Hodges John , de Silva Rohan , Rossor Martin N.
Published: September 2010

Background: MAPT mutations are associated with disorders within the frontotemporal lobar degeneration spectrum. The usual presenting syndrome is behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, although some patients present with parkinsonism. In a number of these cases the dominant clinical features have been consistent with a progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) syndrome. Objective: To describe a family with an autosomal dominant PSP syndrome with a novel L284R mutation in the MAPT gene. Methods: A retrospective case review and genetic analysis of the MAPT gene. A literature review of PSP syndromes associated with mutations in the MAPT gene. Results: Multiple members of family DRC292 across different generations had a PSP syndrome with 1 member of the family being found to have a novel L284R mutation in the MAPT gene. Behavioural features were also prominent in most cases. A PSP syndrome is only a rare finding associated with MAPT mutations and many of these cases have atypical clinical features. Conclusion: Although rare, MAPT mutations should be considered when there is an autosomal dominant family history of a PSP syndrome, particularly of young onset and with prominent behavioural features.
Xyala finneyae sp. n. (Nematoda: Xyalidae) from the intertidal region of the eastern Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: King Ian , Mundo-Ocampo Manuel , Ley Paul De
Published: September 2010

Xyala finneyae sp. n. from the intertidal zone in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico, is described using light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species is characterised by the first ring of cuticular crests being at least twice as long as the crests on the remaining annules, vulva at 70-76% of body length from anterior end, sexual dimorphism in amphid fovea size with females having a smaller amphidial opening. Xyala finneyae sp. n. is most similar to the type species, X. striata, and to X. oxybiotica. It differs from the former in having the first ring of crests markedly longer than all subsequent ones, in having shorter outer labial and cephalic setae on the lip region (8-9 and 15-18 vs 12 and 22 μm, respectively), in a more anterior position of vulva (V = 70-76 vs 79-81) and in shorter spicules (29-31 vs 44-47 μm). From X. oxybiotica, it differs in the more spherical lip region with thinner cuticle on the lips (vs lips more protruding anteriad and with thicker cuticle in optical section), shorter outer labial and cephalic setae on the lip region (8-9 and 15-18 vs 13 and 23 μm, respectively), a more anterior vulva (V = 70-76 vs 81-89) and shorter spicules (29-31 vs 35 μm).
Variability in desiccation tolerance among different strains of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
Authors: Mukuka John , Strauch Olaf , Ehlers Ralf-Udo
Published: September 2010

The shelf life of biological control products based on the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is rather short. In order to prolong shelf life, the metabolism of nematodes during storage must be reduced. This can be achieved by means of desiccation of the infective third-stage dauer juveniles (DJ). The tolerance can be increased by an adaptation to moderate desiccation conditions. Previous investigations indicate that the heritability of the desiccation tolerance is high, justifying a genetic selection for enhanced tolerance. This investigation screened the desiccation tolerance of 43 strains of Heterorhabditis spp. and 18 hybrid/inbred strains of H. bacteriophora. Dehydrating conditions measured as water activity (aw values) were produced by treating DJ with different concentrations of the non-ionic polymer poly(ethylene glycol) 600. Significant inter-specific variation was recorded between nematode strains and species. The mean tolerated aw value (MW50) ranged from 0.90 to 0.95 for non-adapted and 0.67 to 0.99 for adapted nematode populations. For selective breeding, only the 10% most tolerant individuals would be used. The lowest aw value tolerated by 10% of a population (MW10) ranged from of 0.845 to 0.932 for non-adapted nematode populations and 0.603 to 0.950 for adapted nematode populations. Adaptation significantly increased the desiccation tolerance and a weak correlation was recorded for tolerance with and without adaptations. The most tolerant nematode strains will form the basis for the foundation of a parental stock produced by cross-breeding and following genetic selection for enhanced tolerance. Thus, this investigation is another milestone on the road to domestication of H. bacteriophora for commercial use in sustainable pest management.
Effect of unsaturated fatty acids around pupal chambers of Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and Acanthocinus orientalis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on the number of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) carried by the beetles
Authors: Maehara Noritoshi , Tokoro Masahiko
Published: September 2010

Several chemical compounds, e.g., linoleic and oleic acids, have been reported to be attractive to the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, in previous studies. To examine the effects of fatty acids on the number of nematodes carried by Monochamus alternatus and Acanthocinus orientalis, unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, oleic and hexadecenoic acids) and saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic acids) around the pupal chambers of individual beetles of the two species were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The number of nematodes carried by individual M. alternatus was large, averaging 1628 (range 2 to 27 200), whilst A. orientalis carried no nematodes. There was no difference in the concentration of linoleic acid around the pupal chambers of M. alternatus and A. orientalis, and the concentration of oleic acid around Monochamus chambers was less than that around Acanthocinus chambers. There were no clear significant relationships between the concentration of linoleic or oleic acids around Monochamus pupal chambers and the numbers of nematodes carried by individual Monochamus beetles emerging from the chambers. It was concluded that the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids around pupal chambers in wilt-killed pine trees could not explain the differences in the numbers of nematodes carried by M. alternatus and by A. orientalis, and the differences in the numbers of nematodes carried by individual Monochamus beetles.
Diversity of entomopathogenic nematodes (Nematoda: Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae) from Arasbaran forests and rangelands in north-west Iran
Authors: Nikdel Mostafa , Niknam Gholamreza , Griffin Christine T. , Kary Naser Eivazian
Published: September 2010

A survey for entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) was carried out in the
Arasbaran forests and rangelands, East Azarbaijan province, north-west Iran,
during 2006 to 2008. A total of 691 soil samples were collected from 62
localities across the region of which 21 samples (3%) were positive for EPN,
including nine samples (1.3%) with heterorhabditids and 12 (1.7%) with
steinernematids. Seven isolates (four Steinernema and three Heterorhabditis)
were recovered from rangelands and 14 (eight Steinernema and six
Heterorhabditis) from forest soil samples. Based on morphology and molecular
studies, the Heterorhabditis isolates were identified as H. bacteriophora
and the Steinernema isolates as S. carpocapsae, S. bicornutum, S. feltiae,
S. glaseri, S. kraussei and three undescribed species referred to here as
Steinernema sp. IRAZ7, Steinernema sp. IRAZ13 and Steinernema sp. IRAZ21.
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, the most common species, was present in nine
soil samples collected across the forests and rangelands, and of the
Steinernema species, S. bicornutum was obtained from three samples, the
other species being found from only one or two samples.
Outcomes for street children and youth under multidisciplinary care in a drop-in centre in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Authors: Souza Renato , Porten Klaudia , Nicholas Sarala , Grais Rebecca ,   the Médecins Sans Frontières-Honduras team
Published: September 2010

Background: There is little evidence to describe the feasibility and outcomes of services for the care of street children and youth in low-income countries.

Aims: To describe the outcomes of a multidisciplinary case management approach delivered in a drop-in centre for street children and youth.

Methods: A longitudinal study of street children and youth followed in an urban drop-in centre. Four hundred (400) street children and youth received a multidisciplinary case management therapeutic package based on the community reinforcement approach. The main outcomes were changes in psychological distress, substance abuse and social situation scores.

Results: The median follow-up time for the cohort was 18 months. There were reductions in the levels of psychological distress ( p = 0.0001) and substance abuse ( p ≤ 0.0001) in the cohort as well as an improvement in the social situation of street children and youth ( p = 0.0001). There was a main effect of gender ( p < 0.001) and a significant interaction of gender over time ( p < 0.001) on improvements in levels of psychological distress. Survival analysis showed that the probability of remaining on substances at 12 months was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69–0.81) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.42–0.59) at 24 months. At 12 months, fewer female patients remained using substances compared to male ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion: To be most effective, programmes and strategies for children and youth in street situations in developing countries should target both their health and social needs.
Fostering Culture and Optimizing Organizational Structure for Implementing Model‐Based Drug Development
Authors: Zhang Liping , Allerheiligen Sandra R. , Lalonde Richard L. , Stanski Donald R. , Pfister Marc
Published: September 2010

Model‐based drug development (MBDD) is a promising approach to improve decision making in drug development. The pharmaceutical industry has made substantial progress from engaging in empirical decision making to increasingly using pharmacometrics (ie, modeling and simulation [M&S]) as a quantitative decision‐making tool. Focusing on culture and an organizational structure perspective, this commentary summarizes experiences and vision from industry M&S leaders on implementing MBDD. A culture for MBDD needs to have wide acceptance of MBDD, enhanced decision making with probability‐based evidence and transparent rationale, quantitative impact metrics, and a brand that emphasizes cross‐disciplinary collaboration and ownership. An organizational structure for MBDD needs to have a dedicated pharmacometrics function, fine balance between quick wins and impact on long‐term R&D goals, and collaborative MBDD teams among clinical pharmacologists, statisticians, pharmacometricians, and clinicians. Pharmaceutical companies with these characteristics are prepared to fully embrace and implement MBDD.
Exposure‐Response Modeling of Darbepoetin Alfa in Anemic Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Not Receiving Dialysis
Authors: Doshi Sameer , Chow Andrew , Ruixo Juan José Pérez
Published: September 2010

A population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic model (PK/PD) of darbepoetin alfa following intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) administration in participants with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was developed. Darbepoetin alfa concentrations from 96 CKD participants, who received IV or SC darbepoetin alfa, and Hgb concentration from 332 CKD participants not on dialysis, who received SC doses of darbepoetin alfa, were used to develop the PK/PD model. An open 2‐compartment model with sequential zero‐ and first‐order absorption was used to characterize darbepoetin alfa pharmacokinetics. Darbepoetin alfa was assumed to trigger concentration‐dependent stimulation of production of progenitor cells of red blood cells (RBCs) in bone marrow, which become red blood cells and died after life span expiration. Model evaluation was performed through nonparametric bootstrap and posterior predictive checks. Absolute bioavailability, total mean absorption time, clearance, and volume of distribution were estimated to be 44%, 52 h, 3.4 L/d/70 kg, and 5.9 L/70 kg, respectively. The estimates of drug potency, efficacy, and RBC life span were 0.41 ng/mL, 64%, and 77 days, respectively. Pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters of darbepoetin alfa were not affected by age and sex. The qualified model supports the use of darbepoetin alfa administered biweekly (SC) in CKD patients for anemia correction and monthly (SC) for hemoglobin maintenance. In addition, the model is deemed appropriate to conduct simulations to support dose selection for additional clinical studies.
Integral sliding mode control of a quadrotor with fractional order reaching dynamics
Authors: Efe Mehmet Önder
Published: September 2010

We consider integral sliding mode control with a fractional order reaching law in this paper. The reaching law approach is followed and stability of the sliding manifold is shown graphically. We choose a quadrotor-type unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to validate the design. The attitude dynamics of the vehicle is controlled by the proposed scheme and it is seen that the proposed form of the control system gives much better results compared with its integer order counterpart. The contribution of the study is to report a highly robust control scheme utilizing the fractional order differintegration operators.
Whither shore platforms?
Authors: Dasgupta Rajarshi
Published: September 2010

This paper reviews the research on shore platforms since 1980. Although some quantitative work on platforms was conducted in the late 1970s, it was principally in the 1980s that there was a change in the research paradigm, from qualitative observations to quantitative analyses. Researchers are now closer than ever before on agreeing that no single process can produce shore platforms in itself. The last decade has seen remarkable proliferation of research interests in shore platforms. Consequently, there are much-improved data sets on the processes acting on them. Even so, it has not yet been possible to establish definitively the precise role of each individual process in shore platform evolution. Laboratory simulation of platform morphodynamics has received much less attention compared to field-based studies. There are also some other aspects, such as threshold determination, geological control, inheritance, application of geo-informatics and focus on low-energy and tropical coasts, that have received limited attention. These areas are avenues for future research. To enable a better understanding of platform dynamics in a particular area, fieldwork, laboratory simulation and numerical modelling should be carried out simultaneously. Shore platforms are a global feature, and their study should be undertaken in all parts of the world through increased collaborative work among researchers.
Integrating the Ecological Approach in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Programs for Older Adults
Authors: Richard Lucie , Gauvin Lise , Ducharme Francine , Leblanc Marie-Eve , Trudel Maryse
Published: September 2010

The objective of this study was to identify contextual factors influencing the degree of integration of the ecological approach in disease prevention and health promotion (DPHP) programming initiatives for older adults in two public health organizations in Québec, Canada. A case study design was used and two organizations presenting contrasting profiles in the degree of integration of the approach in their DPHP programming for older adults were selected. Face-to-face interviews with professionals and managers and archival analysis were conducted. Several factors emerged as constraining the integration of the approach in both organizations, including the lack of data showing the effectiveness of DPHP interventions for older adults and the presence of macro-contextual political factors at odds with the ideology of DPHP. Resources and partnerships with academic milieus emerged as key factors distinguishing the two organizations. These results provide increased understanding of conditions required for planning DPHP programs for older adults.
Risk Assessments by Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: Predictors of Risk Perceptions and Comparison to an Actuarial Measure
Authors: Connor-Smith Jennifer K. , Henning Kris , Moore Stephanie , Holdford Robert
Published: September 2010

Recent studies support the validity of both structured risk assessment tools and victim perceptions as predictors of risk for repeat intimate partner violence (IPV). Combining structured risk assessments and victim risk assessments leads to better predictions of repeat violence than either alone, suggesting that the two forms of assessment provide unique and complementary information. However, very little is known about elements involved in women’s risk assessments. The present study explores predictors of women’s risk assessment and differences in factors linked to victim and actuarial risk assessments in a large sample of women ( N = 728) shortly after the arrest of their male partner for IPV. In multivariate analyses, women’s risk assessments were strongly related to past relationship violence and their partner’s substance abuse but weakly related to demographic factors, family constellation, and the partner’s criminal history. Women who perceived high risk but had a low risk score on an actuarial measure were more likely to report the presence of dynamic risk factors, such as escalating violence and violence during separations, along with a history of emotional and psychological abuse. Qualitative findings paralleled quantitative findings, with women’s stated reasons for expecting high or low risk indicating that women were attending to IPV history and dynamic factors. Implications for risk assessment and safety planning are discussed.
Quality-of-life predictor factors in patients with SLE and their modification after cognitive behavioural therapy
Authors: Navarrete-Navarrete N. , Peralta-Ramírez MI , Sabio JM , Martínez-Egea I. , Santos-Ruiz A. , Jiménez-Alonso J.
Published: September 2010

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the clinical and psychological factors linked to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and test the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in changing these factors. Methods: We evaluated 34 patients with SLE over a period of 15 months. In order to study the variables related to items of QOL and the physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summaries of the SF-36, several multiple linear regression models were constructed. Patients were randomized and distributed into two similar groups; one of them received cognitive behavioural therapy and the other received the usual controlled care. The psychological aspects as well as the related-disease factors were evaluated four times during the study. Results: Self-perceived stress (R2 corrected: 0.314, t: -2.476, p < 0.021), vulnerability to stress (R2 corrected: 0.448, T: -2.166, p < 0.04) and anxiety (R2 corrected: 0.689, T: -7.294, p < 0.00) were predictor variables of MCS. The group of patients who received the therapy improved their level of physical role functioning, vitality, general health perceptions and mental health, compared with the group of patients who only received conventional care. Conclusion: QOL usually depends on multiple factors, some of which are stress and anxiety, which can be modified by a cognitive behavioural therapy, in order to obtain a significant improvement in the HRQOL, irrespective of the activity level of the disease. Frequent evaluations of the quality of life in patients with SLE and psychological treatment should also be considered. Lupus (2010) 19, 1632—1639.
College Women’s HPV Vaccine Decision Narratives
Authors: Hopfer Suellen , Clippard Jessie R.
Published: September 2010

Drawing on 38 in-depth qualitative interviews with college women and college health clinicians, we collected human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine decision narratives to identify the implicit and explicit values underlying HPV vaccine decision making. Narratives of vaccine acceptance and resistance were identified. Vaccine acceptance narratives consisted of four themes: supportive family messages, explicit health care provider endorsement, peer descriptive norms reducing stigma of vaccination, and disease framing (e.g., cancer, HPV) shaping vaccine benefit perceptions. Vaccine resistance narratives consisted of five themes: skepticism of vaccine safety, invoking alternative prevention strategies, articulating stigmatizing HPV messages, overcoming self-efficacy barriers (e.g., cost, availability, time, and fear of parental disclosure), and delay strategies. Common to all decision narratives was that relationship status framed college women’s perceptions of HPV susceptibility. Theoretical and practical implications for designing HPV vaccine messages aimed at college-aged women are discussed.
What Boys With an Autism Spectrum Disorder Say About Establishing and Maintaining Friendships
Authors: Daniel Leslie S. , Billingsley Bonnie S.
Published: September 2010

Seven boys, 10 to 14 years old, with autism spectrum disorders and good verbal communication, were interviewed to determine how they establish and maintain friendships. Parents and the boys’ teachers were interviewed for supportive information. All of the boys had friends, and 6 described establishing friendships as the most difficult aspect. Reasons for difficulty in establishing friendships included the desire not to be the one who initiated contact, the intention to avoid violating the social hierarchy of the school, and concerns related to being exploited or being a nuisance. The 7th boy did not desire friendships beyond family friends. All participants described shared interests as critical to maintaining friendships. Four youth have maintained stable friendships across distances and transitions.
The Efficacy of Post-Cardiopulmonary Bypass Dosing of Vancomycin in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Raikhelkar Jayashree K. , Reich David L. , Schure Rebecca , Varghese Robin , Bodian Carol , Scurlock Corey
Published: September 2010

Objective. Vancomycin is administered widely to patients undergoing cardiac surgery as prophylaxis against resistant Gram-positive sternal wound and venous donor site infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a standardized prebypass and postbypass dosing regimen of vancomycin by assessing plasma concentrations in the immediate postoperative period and postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs). Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting . Cardiothoracic surgical intensive care unit in a tertiary care academic medical center. Methods. A total of 34 consecutive adult patients who had undergone cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were analyzed retrospectively. Each patient received 1000 mg of vancomycin administered over 1 hour around the time of induction of anesthesia and 500 mg after discontinuation of CPB. Trough vancomycin levels were sampled in the intensive care unit 12 hours after the last dose given in the operating room. Along with patient characteristics, postoperative readmission rates and SSIs were recorded for 1 year after surgery. Results. The nadir serum vancomycin level before the next dose was 9.3 ± 4.5 µg/mL (mean ± standard deviation). One superficial SSI was noted. Readmission rate for SSIs was 2.94%. Conclusion . Vancomycin concentrations in the serum were greater than the minimum inhibitory concentration for most staphylococci ranging from 4 to 19.3 µg/mL producing acceptable therapeutic serum concentrations and low rate of infectious complications. Thus postbypass dosing is acceptable in vancomycin cardiac surgical prophylaxis.