bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical impact velocity for ice fragmentation
Authors: Guégan Pierrick , Othman Ramzi , Lebreton Daniel , Pasco Franck , Villedieu Philippe , Meyssonnier Jacques , Wintenberger Sylvie
Published: November 2011

The fragmentation process is a main concern in many engineering applications such as preventing flameouts of aircraft engines. The authors of this article are interested in measuring the critical impact velocity for ice fragmentation. Precisely, a dropweight technique was applied to study the ice ball impacts on glass plates. The influence of ice ball temperature, diameter and impact angle is also investigated. The after-impact ice ball state was found to be classified into two cases: an altered state and a non-altered state. The critical impact velocity is defined as the minimum impact velocity for which the ice ball is altered after impact or the maximum impact velocity for which the ice ball is not altered after impact. The experimental results are analysed by a model, assuming that the alteration regime is observed as soon as the ice ball normal kinetic energy is higher than a critical value of its deformation energy. This model depends on one parameter which is determined in this study. This last result is the major achievement of this article as there is almost no measurement of this parameter in the literature.
Study on the nature of stick–slip motion for high-precision table
Authors: Junwei Gao , Tao Tao , Xuesong Mei , Fei Zhao
Published: November 2011

Friction is one of the important factors resulting in the contour error of feed servo systems for high-precision computer numerical control machine tools. The beginning criterion of friction compensation is usually based on the recognition that reverse axis velocity reaches zero at quadrant boundary in circular motion. In fact, reverse velocity cannot reach zero at quadrant boundary. This article investigates the dynamics question behind stick–slip motion, based on re-understanding friction and closed-loop control. Here, the stick–slip motions were distinguished as three kinds: positive, negative and full reversals. Moreover, it is also considered that closed-loop control system must produce inhibition to inner disturbance as to friction. The conclusion that friction compensation should take place before the velocity decreases to zero is obtained. The simulation result well illustrates the theoretical analysis of the nature of stick–slip motion. Compensation experiment shows that friction compensation considering negative friction can easily further decrease friction error in high speed.
“Green Harms” as Art Crime, Art Criticism as Environmental Dissent
Authors: Brisman Avi
Published: November 2011

This article argues that the focus of many criminologists and art crime scholars is too often rather narrow, and promotes a more expansive notion of “art crime” —one that centers not on crime, but on the relationship between art and crime. More specifically, this article argues for an approach to “art crime” that contemplates “socially injurious acts” or omissions involving art that are not defined as “crime” or proscribed by civil or criminal statutes. Employing this “harm-based” approach, this article examines the responses to Damian Hirst’s The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living—a piece consisting of a 14-ft tiger shark (caught by a fisherman commissioned to do so) immersed in formaldehyde in a vitrine of glass and steel—to demonstrate how art criticism can be employed as a tool for dissent, especially in cases involving art that causes ecological or environmental harms.
Sensory perception, neurobiology, and behavioral adaptations for predator avoidance in planktonic copepods
Authors: Buskey Edward J , Lenz Petra H , Hartline Daniel K
Published: November 2011

Copepods are important grazers on microplankton in marine food webs and are, in turn, preyed upon by a wide range of predators with diverse feeding adaptations. Although copepods have evolved numerous adaptations to help them avoid predation, their escape behavior sets them apart from many other planktonic organisms. Mechanoreception is widely used by copepods to detect hydrodynamic disturbances created by approaching predators. When these disturbances are detected, copepods respond quickly with escape jumps that can accelerate them from a stationary position to speeds of over 600 body lengths per second within a few milliseconds. Myelinated nerves may improve the escape behavior of some copepods through faster conduction of nerve impulses. The differences in response latencies between myelinate and amyelinate copepod species are greatest in larger copepod species, where nerve signals must be conducted over longer distances. Environmental variability such as turbulence may affect the ability of both prey to detect predators and predators to capture their planktonic prey. Small amounts of turbulence favor the predator, while too much turbulence reduces predation. Understanding the sensory physiology of copepods and their behavioral adaptations for avoiding predation will increase knowledge of the factors affecting the structure and function of marine pelagic food webs.
Thyroid-Type Solid Cell Nests in Struma Ovarii
Authors: Cameselle-Teijeiro José , Caramés Nuria , Romero-Rojas Alfredo , Reyes-Santías Rosa , Piso-Neira Magalí , Bernabeu Ignacio , Abdulkader Ihab
Published: November 2011

Solid cell nests (SCNs) of the thyroid are single or multiple foci of solid and/or cystic clusters of squamoid cells (main cells) with a minor proportion of C-cells, found in the normal thyroid. The SCNs have also been reported in the heart as an ultimobranchial heterotopia. Here, the authors describe a case of thyroid-type SCNs associated with struma ovarii. Main cells were positive for simple and stratified epithelial-type cytokeratins, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19.9, p63, bcl-2, and galectin-3. The neuroendocrine cell population was positive for chromogranin A and synaptophysin but negative for calcitonin, suggesting a common ancestor cell capable of dual differentiation toward thyroid follicular cells and hindgut-type endocrine cells. The existence of thyroid-type SCNs in struma ovarii could be easily understood by considering the struma ovarii as a teratoma; at the same time, these findings also support the idea of a close histogenetic link between the main cells of SCNs and thyroid tissue.
An existence theorem for inextensible nets with slack
Authors: Paroni Roberto
Published: November 2011

Nets formed by two families of fibers that can grow shorter but not longer are studied variationally. It is shown that a minimizing deformation exists and, by means of the dual variational problem, that there exist also tension fibers which equilibrate the applied loads.
Threshold concepts and modalities for teaching leadership practice
Authors: Yip Jeffrey , Raelin Joseph A
Published: November 2011

Can the teaching of leadership transform practice? What concepts and modalities are best suited to do so? This article builds on Meyer and Land’s (2003) theory of threshold concepts to examine how students learn and experience leadership as a complex and multi-faceted practice. Threshold concepts are conceptual gateways, opening up new and previously inaccessible ways of thinking about a field. In an ethnographic account using participant observation, analysis of student papers, and in-depth interviews, the authors identified two threshold concepts that had a transformational impact on students: (1) situational leadership and (2) shared leadership. In addition, they found three modalities that supported the learning of threshold concepts: (1) variation, (2) enactment, and (3) reflection. The article concludes by citing the broader implications for the research and teaching of leadership practice.
Learning of idiomatic language expressions in a group intervention for children with autism
Authors: Whyte Elisabeth M. , Nelson Keith E. , Khan Kiren S.
Published: November 2011

In typical development, children learn an extensive range of idioms and other figurative (non-literal) language expressions during childhood and adolescence. However, many children with autism fall far behind in their idiom comprehension and production and never fully reach adult levels. The current study measured the effectiveness of a group idiom intervention for ten children, aged 7 to 12 years, with autism spectrum disorders. This intervention was conducted by a community-based social skills program. The children were initially very low in idiom understanding, but were able to learn and remember the meaning of idiomatic phrases that they were taught during the 2-week-long intervention. The children showed greater increases at a delayed post-test for idioms trained in the intervention than idioms that were untrained controls. Implications for future educational possibilities are discussed.
Teacher perceptions of teacher bullying
Authors: Zerillo Christine , Osterman Karen F
Published: November 2011

This mixed-methods study examined elementary teachers’ perceptions of teacher–student bullying. Grounded in previous research on peer bullying, the study posed several questions: to what extent did teachers perceive bullying of students by other teachers as a serious matter requiring intervention? Did they perceive teacher bullying as more serious than peer bullying, and did their perceptions differ by the nature of the bullying incident? Findings indicate that teachers are aware of isolated and ongoing student bullying by their colleagues; however, they have a higher sense of accountability for peer bullying and forms of bullying with physical rather than socio-emotional consequences. Teachers’ sense of accountability was correlated with years of experience but unrelated to participation in professional development, despite sustained anti-bullying initiatives over a 10-year period.
What do students know anyway? High school graduates’ examination of standards and the responses of expert educators for educational equity
Authors: Easley Jacob
Published: November 2011

The standards movement in the US has ballooned over the past generation of education reforms to the extent that standards have become a prominent feature of the educational architecture. Most curriculum planning is informed by local, state, and/or interstate content area standards. While the 1980s central focus on the international competitiveness of US education has waxed and waned somewhat, the practice of comparative analysis has persisted. As such, there has been a steady rise in the debates regarding the achievement gap between White and non-Asian minority students. Educational reformers, politicians, reformers, and pundits have all taken varied positions regarding the effectiveness of the standards movement to ameliorate the polarization of achievement among these groups. Yet the voices of those at the epicenter of the teaching and learning process have often gone ignored and not heard from. This article addresses these perspectives to reveal that a national sample of high school graduates holds a particular assessment of standards with regard to equity, student learning, and educational quality. Expert educators’ responses to graduates’ perceptions are found equally important for guiding educational policy and improvement.
Cape Verdean identity in a land of Black and White
Authors: Fisher Gene A. , Model Suzanne
Published: November 2011

Cape Verde is an island group off the African coast with a history of slavery. Its residents having both European and African ancestors, they consider themselves a mixed-race people. Residents of the United States, however, observe the one-drop rule: anyone with a perceptible trace of African blood is defined as Black. This difference motivates us to ask: how do Cape Verdean Americans answer questions about their racial identity? Strict assimilationists predict that, as they adapt to their new home, Cape Verdeans will identify less as mixed-race than as White or Black. Others suggest that the quality of race relations at the time immigrants arrive affects their identity. We test these ideas using data from the 2000 US Census and the American Community Survey. Our multivariate analysis shows that some, but not all, forms of assimilation increase the odds of identifying as Black. The odds of identifying as White, on the other hand, have little to do with assimilation. The timing of arrival also has a significant effect on racial identity, with Black gaining popularity among recent immigrants.
Angiotensin converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and risk of pregnancy hypertensive disorders: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Zhen , Xu Fang , Wei Yonggang , Liu Fei , Qi Hongbo
Published: November 2011

Background: The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism has been reported inconsistently as being associated with risk of pregnancy hypertensive disorders (PHDs). We examined these associations by performing a meta-analysis.

Methods: Two investigators independently consulted the Medline, Embase, CNKI, and Chinese Biomedicine databases. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated in ﬁxed- and random-effects models when appropriate. Subgroup analyses were performed by ethnicity, types of PHD (gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), country and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in controls.

Results: This meta-analysis included 30 case–control studies with 3523 cases and 4817 controls. Overall, we found that the DD variant of the ACE I/D polymorphism was associated with a significantly increased PHD risk. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the results suggested that the DD genotype was significantly associated with risk of PHD development among Asians and Caucasians. Moreover, when stratifying by types of PHD, a significantly increased risk was observed for pre-eclampsia. Interestingly, when stratifying by country, a significantly elevated risk was found among ‘others’ countries (those that were not China or Korea). Limiting the analysis to the studies within HWE, the results were persistent and robust.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that the I/D polymorphism of ACE may be associated with PHD risk, especially among Asians and Caucasians.
Language and luck
Authors: De Schutter Helder , Ypi Lea
Published: November 2011

In this article, we examine how language and linguistic membership might feature in luck egalitarianism, what a luck-egalitarian theory of linguistic justice would look like, and, finally, what the emphasis on language teaches us about the validity of standard luck-egalitarian assumptions. We show that belonging to one language group rather than another is a morally arbitrary feature and that where membership of a specific linguistic group affects individual chances, the effects of such bad brute luck ought to be neutralized on the luck-egalitarian view. We assess two ways of redressing those kinds of unjustified inequalities: the ‘universal language’ option and the ‘linguistic advantages for all’ option. But we also argue, in the second part, that exploring luck egalitarianism through the lens of language exposes some difficulties intrinsic in many existent luck-egalitarian theories. We argue that treating circumstances one identifies with as choices is problematic. In addition, we argue that the linguistic preconditions of both the capacity to be responsible as well the exercise of responsibility complicate the idea of individual responsibility on which most luck-egalitarian theories rely. We conclude by suggesting the need to develop a luck-egalitarian theory of justice which is less reliant on causal features of the distinction between choice and circumstance and which is more sensitive to the idea of collective cooperation as opposed to individual responsibility.
The perceived trade-off between corporate social and economic responsibility
Authors: Usunier Jean-Claude , Furrer Olivier , Furrer-Perrinjaquet Amandine
Published: November 2011

We study cross-nationally whether managers view corporate social and economic responsibility as compatible, or incompatible. The conceptual framework builds on different theories that support alternative views of corporate responsibility compatibility. A set of hypotheses relates differences in cultural values, corporate governance systems, and managerial education to corporate responsibility compatibility. A corporate responsibility scale is developed and its cross-national invariance is tested. Data analysis, controlling for gender and work experience, shows that in countries with large power distance, with less strict corporate governance, and more integrated business education, social responsibility is perceived as relatively incompatible with economic responsibility, whereas in countries with smaller power distance, with stricter corporate governance, and more functional business education, social and economic responsibility are perceived as more compatible.
Trajectories of Ezekiel (Part 2): Beyond the Book
Authors: Olley John W.
Published: November 2011

An earlier article by Olley, ‘Trajectories of Ezekiel: Part 1’ ( CBR 9.2), explored resources and studies relating to the text of the book of Ezekiel, both Hebrew and Greek, and the significance of their differences. Here, the review widens to resources and studies concerning ways in which the book and its imagery have influenced other works, from the Judaean Desert scrolls through the New Testament, and into the patristic period. For example, the influence of the vision of chapter 1 is widespread, leading in particular to Merkabah (‘chariot’) spirituality. The influence of the vision of the dry bones in ch. 37 is also widespread, with debates on the nature of resurrection. The book of Ezekiel is used extensively in the book of Revelation, as well as in other portions of the New Testament.
The State of the Archaeological Debate at Qumran
Authors: Cargill Robert R.
Published: November 2011

This article surveys the present state of archaeological research at Qumran. The article first examines those explorers who came to Qumran prior to the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and interpreted the site without the influence of the scrolls. It then examines how the interpretation of the site changed following the discovery of the scrolls and the excavation of the site by Roland de Vaux. The article then offers a survey of recent contributions by those who excavated the site after de Vaux, as well as contributions made by those whose scholarship has influenced the interpretation of Qumran despite not having excavated there. The article concludes with a discussion of why the interpretation of Qumran weighs so heavily on our understanding of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Optimal pruning for selecting LEDs to synthesize tunable illumination spectra
Authors: Wu C-C , Hu N-C , Fong Y-C , Hsiao H-C , Hsiao S-L
Published: November 2011

Multi-channel light-emitting diode (LED) light sources have been developed for various applications in lighting, but especially for spectrum-tunable lighting. However, how to select the optimal combination of LEDs for these light sources is rarely discussed. Unlike the negative-pruning process which operates by removing LEDs from a set of available LEDs based on an unrealizable negative-coefficient criterion alone, the proposed pruning process removes LEDs so as to minimize the synthesis error. This method not only produces the same optimal set of LEDs as those identified by the full-search method but also suggests when using phosphor-converted LEDs is beneficial. It does this by investigating the trade-off between the full width half maximum of the LEDs and the number of LEDs.
The non-cognitive challenge to a liberal egalitarian education
Authors: Morton Jennifer M.
Published: November 2011

Political liberalism, conceived of as a response to the diversity of conceptions of the good in multicultural societies, aims to put forward a proposal for how to organize political institutions that is acceptable to a wide range of citizens. It does so by remaining neutral between reasonable conceptions of the good while giving all citizens a fair opportunity to access the offices and positions which enable them to pursue their own conception of the good. Public educational institutions are at the center of the state’s attempt to foster both of these commitments. I argue that recent empirical research on the role that non-cognitive dispositions (such as assertiveness) play in enabling students to have access to two important primary goods – opportunities for higher education and desirable jobs – creates a distinctive challenge for a liberal egalitarian education in remaining neutral with respect to conceptions of the good while promoting equal opportunity.
NOTCH1 mutations in CLL associated with trisomy 12
Authors: Balatti Veronica , Bottoni Arianna , Palamarchuk Alexey , Alder Hansjuerg , Rassenti Laura Z. , Kipps Thomas J. , Pekarsky Yuri , Croce Carlo M.
Published: November 2011

Two recent studies reported wholegenome sequencing of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) samples and found repeated mutations in the XPO1 and NOTCH1 genes. XPO1 was found mutated in 2.4% of cases, while NOTCH1 was found mutated in 12.2% or 15.1% of CLL samples. Here we report the results of sequencing of XPO1 and NOTCH1 in 186 CLL cases. Our results confirmed frequency of XPO1 mutations. However, we found only 5 NOTCH1 mutations in 127 IGVH unmutated/ZAP70+ CLL samples (4%), and one mutation was found in IGVH mutated/ZAP70− CLL for a total percentage of 1.5%. Because 4 of 6 mutated samples also showed trisomy 12, we sequenced NOTCH1 in an additional 77 cases with trisomy 12 CLLs, including 47 IGVH unmutated/ZAP70+ cases. Importantly, we found 41.9% NOTCH1 mutation frequency in aggressive trisomy 12 CLL cases. Our data suggest that activation of NOTCH1 plays a critical role in IGVH unmutated/ZAP70+ trisomy 12 CLL.
Molecular organization and phylogenetic analysis of 5S rDNA in crustaceans of the genus Pollicipesreveal birth-and-death evolution and strong purifying selection
Authors: Perina Alejandra , Seoane David , González-Tizón Ana M , Rodríguez-Fariña Fernanda , Martínez-Lage Andrés
Published: November 2011

Background

The 5S ribosomal DNA (5S rDNA) is organized in tandem arrays with repeat units that consist of a transcribing region (5S) and a variable nontranscribed spacer (NTS), in higher eukaryotes. Until recently the 5S rDNA was thought to be subject to concerted evolution, however, in several taxa, sequence divergence levels between the 5S and the NTS were found higher than expected under this model. So, many studies have shown that birth-and-death processes and selection can drive the evolution of 5S rDNA. In analyses of 5S rDNA evolution is found several 5S rDNA types in the genome, with low levels of nucleotide variation in the 5S and a spacer region highly divergent. Molecular organization and nucleotide sequence of the 5S ribosomal DNA multigene family (5S rDNA) were investigated in three Pollicipes species in an evolutionary context.

Results

The nucleotide sequence variation revealed that several 5S rDNA variants occur in Pollicipes genomes. They are clustered in up to seven different types based on differences in their nontranscribed spacers (NTS). Five different units of 5S rDNA were characterized in P. pollicipes and two different units in P. elegans and P. polymerus. Analysis of these sequences showed that identical types were shared among species and that two pseudogenes were present. We predicted the secondary structure and characterized the upstream and downstream conserved elements. Phylogenetic analysis showed an among-species clustering pattern of 5S rDNA types.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the evolution of Pollicipes 5S rDNA is driven by birth-and-death processes with strong purifying selection.
The reference human nuclear mitochondrial sequences compilation validated and implemented on the UCSC genome browser
Authors: Simone Domenico , Calabrese Francesco Maria , Lang Martin , Gasparre Giuseppe , Attimonelli Marcella
Published: November 2011

Background

Eukaryotic nuclear genomes contain fragments of mitochondrial DNA called NumtS (Nuclear mitochondrial Sequences), whose mode and time of insertion, as well as their functional/structural role within the genome are debated issues. Insertion sites match with chromosomal breaks, revealing that micro-deletions usually occurring at non-homologous end joining loci become reduced in presence of NumtS. Some NumtS are involved in recombination events leading to fragment duplication. Moreover, NumtS are polymorphic, a feature that renders them candidates as population markers. Finally, they are a cause of contamination during human mtDNA sequencing, leading to the generation of false heteroplasmies.

Results

Here we present RHNumtS.2, the most exhaustive human NumtSome catalogue annotating 585 NumtS, 97% of which were here validated in a European individual and in HapMap samples. The NumtS complete dataset and related features have been made available at the UCSC Genome Browser. The produced sequences have been submitted to INSDC databases. The implementation of the RHNumtS.2 tracks within the UCSC Genome Browser has been carried out with the aim to facilitate browsing of the NumtS tracks to be exploited in a wide range of research applications.

Conclusions

We aimed at providing the scientific community with the most exhaustive overview on the human NumtSome, a resource whose aim is to support several research applications, such as studies concerning human structural variation, diversity, and disease, as well as the detection of false heteroplasmic mtDNA variants. Upon implementation of the NumtS tracks, the application of the BLAT program on the UCSC Genome Browser has now become an additional tool to check for heteroplasmic artefacts, supported by data available through the NumtS tracks.
Cytokine expression during early and late phase of acute Puumala hantavirus infection
Authors: Sadeghi Mahmoud , Eckerle Isabella , Daniel Volker , Burkhardt Ulrich , Opelz Gerhard , Schnitzler Paul
Published: November 2011

Background

Hantaviruses of the familyBunyaviridaeare emerging zoonotic pathogens which cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in the Old World and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the New World. An immune-mediated pathogenesis is discussed for both syndromes. The aim of our study was to investigate cytokine expression during the course of acutePuumalahantavirus infection.

Results

We retrospectively studied 64 patients hospitalised with acutePuumalahantavirus infection in 2010 during a hantavirus epidemic in Germany. Hantavirus infection was confirmed by positive anti-hantavirus IgG/IgM. Cytokine expression of IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TGF-β1 was analysed by ELISA during the early and late phase of acute hantavirus infection (average 6 and 12 days after onset of symptoms, respectively). A detailed description of the demographic and clinical presentation of severe hantavirus infection requiring hospitalization during the 2010 hantavirus epidemic in Germany is given. Acute hantavirus infection was characterized by significantly elevated levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β1 and TNF-α in both early and late phase compared to healthy controls. From early to late phase of disease, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α significantly decreased whereas TGF-β1 levels increased. Disease severity characterized by elevated creatinine and low platelet counts was correlated with high pro-inflammatory IL-6 and TNF-α but low immunosuppressive TGF-β1 levels andvice versa.

Conclusion

High expression of cytokines activating T-lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages in the early phase of disease supports the hypothesis of an immune-mediated pathogenesis. In the late phase of disease, immunosuppressive TGF-β1 level increase significantly. We suggest that delayed induction of a protective immune mechanism to downregulate a massive early pro-inflammatory immune response might contribute to the pathologies characteristic of human hantavirus infection.
A historical and proteomic analysis of botulinum neurotoxin type/G
Authors: Terilli Rebecca R , Moura Hercules , Woolfitt Adrian R , Rees Jon , Schieltz David M , Barr John R
Published: November 2011

Background

Clostridium botulinum is the taxonomic designation for at least six diverse species that produce botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs). There are seven known serotypes of BoNTs (/A through/G), all of which are potent toxins classified as category A bioterrorism agents. BoNT/G is the least studied of the seven serotypes. In an effort to further characterize the holotoxin and neurotoxin-associated proteins (NAPs), we conducted an in silico and proteomic analysis of commercial BoNT/G complex. We describe the relative quantification of the proteins present in the/G complex and confirm our ability to detect the toxin activity in vitro. In addition, we review previous literature to provide a complete description of the BoNT/G complex.

Results

An in-depth comparison of protein sequences indicated that BoNT/G shares the most sequence similarity with the/B serotype. A temperature-modified Endopep-MS activity assay was successful in the detection of BoNT/G activity. Gel electrophoresis and in gel digestions, followed by MS/MS analysis of/G complex, revealed the presence of four proteins in the complexes: neurotoxin (BoNT) and three NAPs--nontoxic-nonhemagglutinin (NTNH) and two hemagglutinins (HA70 and HA17). Rapid high-temperature in-solution tryptic digestions, coupled with MS/MS analysis, generated higher than previously reported sequence coverages for all proteins associated with the complex: BoNT 66%, NTNH 57%, HA70 91%, and HA17 99%. Label-free relative quantification determined that the complex contains 30% BoNT, 38% NTNH, 28% HA70, and 4% HA17 by weight comparison and 17% BoNT, 23% NTNH, 42% HA70, and 17% HA17 by molecular comparison.

Conclusions

The in silico protein sequence comparisons established that the/G complex is phenetically related to the other six serotypes of C. botulinum. Proteomic analyses and Endopep-MS confirmed the presence of BoNT and NAPs, along with the activity of the commercial/G complex. The use of data-independent MSE data analysis, coupled to label-free quantification software, suggested that the weight ratio BoNT:NAPs is 1:3, whereas the molar ratio of BoNT:NTNH:HA70:HA17 is 1:1:2:1, within the BoNT/G progenitor toxin.
Risk factors associated with symptomatic cholelithiasis in Taiwan: a population-based study
Authors: Hung Shih-Chang , Liao Kuan-Fu , Lai Shih-Wei , Li Chia-Ing , Chen Wen-Chi
Published: November 2011

Background

Cholelithiasis has become a major health problem in Taiwan. The predominant type of gallstone found in Asian populations differs from that in the West, indicating possible differences in the etiology and risk factors for cholelithiasis. The aim of this study is to investigate the risk factors for cholelithiasis using data representative of the general population.

Methods

We performed a population-based, case-control study in which we analyzed medical data for 3725 patients newly diagnosed with cholelithiasis and 11175 gender- and age-matched controls with no history of cholelithiasis, using information obtained from the 2005 Registry for Beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Research Database. Coexisting medical conditions were included in the analysis. Relative risks were estimated by adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

After controlling for the other covariates, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following as risk factors for cholelithiasis (in descending order of contribution): Among all patients - hepatitis C (OR = 2.78), cirrhosis (OR = 2.47), hepatitis B (OR = 2.00), obesity (OR = 1.89), and hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.54); Among women - hepatitis C (OR = 3.05), cirrhosis (OR = 1.92), obesity (OR = 1.91), menopause (OR = 1.61), hepatitis B (OR = 1.54), and hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.49). Diabetes mellitus appeared to have a marked influence on the development of cholelithiasis but was not identified as a significant independent risk factor for cholelithiasis.

Conclusions

The risk factors for cholelithiasis were obesity, hyperlipidemia, hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection, and cirrhosis in both genders, and menopause in females. Despite differences in the predominate type of gallstone in Asian versus Western populations, we identified no unique risk factors among the population of Taiwan.
Improved sensitivity of an interferon-gamma release assay (T-SPOT.TB™) in combination with tuberculin skin test for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis in the presence of HIV co-Infection
Authors: Elzi Luigia , Steffen Ingrid , Furrer Hansjakob , Fehr Jan , Cavassini Matthias , Hirschel Bernard , Hoffmann Matthias , Bernasconi Enos , Bassetti Stefano , Battegay Manuel
Published: November 2011

Background

Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) are more specific than the tuberculin skin test (TST) for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Data on sensitivity are controversial in HIV infection.

Methods

IGRA (T-SPOT.TB) was performed using lymphocytes stored within 6 months before culture-confirmed tuberculosis was diagnosed in HIV-infected individuals in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

Results

64 individuals (69% males, 45% of non-white ethnicity, median age 35 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31-42), 28% with prior AIDS) were analysed. Median CD4 cell count was 223 cells/μl (IQR 103-339), HIV-RNA was 4.7 log10 copies/mL (IQR 4.3-5.2). T-SPOT.TB resulted positive in 25 patients (39%), negative in 18 (28%) and indeterminate in 21 (33%), corresponding to a sensitivity of 39% (95% CI 27-51%) if all test results were considered, and 58% (95% CI 43-74%) if indeterminate results were excluded. Sensitivity of IGRA was independent of CD4 cell count (p = 0.698). Among 44 individuals with available TST, 22 (50%) had a positive TST. Agreement between TST and IGRA was 57% (kappa = 0.14, p = 0.177), and in 34% (10/29) both tests were positive. Combining TST and IGRA (at least one test positive) resulted in an improved sensitivity of 67% (95% CI 52-81%). In multivariate analysis, older age was associated with negative results of TST and T-SPOT.TB (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1,22-7.74, p = 0.017, per 10 years older).

Conclusions

T-SPOT.TB and TST have similar sensitivity to detect latent TB in HIV-infected individuals. Combining TST and IGRA may help clinicians to better select HIV-infected individuals with latent tuberculosis who qualify for preventive treatment.
The human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in European patients with advanced colorectal cancer harbors infrequent mutations in its tyrosine kinase domain
Authors: Metzger Brigitte , Chambeau Laetitia , Begon Dominique Y , Faber Carlo , Kayser Jacques , Berchem Guy , Pauly Marc , Boniver Jacques , Delvenne Philippe , Dicato Mario , Wenner Thomas
Published: November 2011

Background

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a member of the ErbB family of receptors, is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase (TK) activated by the binding of extracellular ligands of the EGF-family and involved in triggering the MAPK signaling pathway, which leads to cell proliferation. Mutations in the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain are frequent in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, to date, only very few, mainly non-European, studies have reported rare EGFR mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

We screened 236 clinical tumor samples from European patients with advanced CRC by direct DNA sequencing to detect potential, as yet unknown mutations, in the EGFR gene exons 18 to 21, mainly covering the EGFR TK catalytic domain.

Results

EGFR sequences showed somatic missense mutations in exons 18 and 20 at a frequency of 2.1% and 0.4% respectively. Somatic SNPs were also found in exons 20 and 21 at a frequency of about 3.1% and 0.4% respectively. Of these mutations, four have not yet been described elsewhere.

Conclusions

These mutation frequencies are higher than in a similarly sized population characterized by Barber and colleagues, but still too low to account for a major role played by the EGFR gene in CRC.
The effect of a new direct Factor Xa inhibitor on human osteoblasts: an in-vitro study comparing the effect of rivaroxaban with enoxaparin
Authors: Solayar Gandhi N , Walsh Pauline M , Mulhall Kevin J
Published: November 2011

Background

Current treatments for the prevention of thromboembolism include heparin and low-molecular weight heparins (LMWHs). A number of studies have suggested that long term administration of these drugs may adversely affect osteoblasts and therefore, bone metabolism. Xarelto™ (Rivaroxaban) is a new anti-thrombotic drug for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in adult patients undergoing elective hip and knee replacement surgery. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the possible effects of rivaroxaban on osteoblast viability, function and gene expression compared to enoxaparin, a commonly used LMWH.

Methods

Primary human osteoblast cultures were treated with varying concentrations of rivaroxaban (0.013, 0.13, 1.3 and 13 μg/ml) or enoxaparin (1, 10 and 100 μg/ml). The effect of each drug on osteoblast function was evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity. The MTS assay was used to assess the effect of drug treatments on cell proliferation. Changes in osteocalcin, Runx2 and BMP-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression following drug treatments were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Rivaroxaban and enoxaparin treatment did not adversely affect osteoblast viability. However, both drugs caused a significant reduction in osteoblast function, as measured by alkaline phosphatase activity. This reduction in osteoblast function was associated with a reduction in the mRNA expression of the bone marker, osteocalcin, the transcription factor, Runx2, and the osteogenic factor, BMP-2.

Conclusions

These data show that rivaroxaban treatment may negatively affect bone through a reduction in osteoblast function.
Assessment of the knowledge of graphical symbols labelled on malaria rapid diagnostic tests in four international settings
Authors: Hermans Veerle , Monzote Lianet , Van den Sande Björn , Mukadi Pierre , Sopheak Thai , Gillet Philippe , Jacobs Jan
Published: November 2011

Background

Graphical symbols on in vitro diagnostics (IVD symbols) replace the need for text in different languages and are used on malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) marketed worldwide. The present study assessed the comprehension of IVD symbols labelled on malaria RDT kits among laboratory staff in four different countries.

Methods

Participants (n = 293) in Belgium (n = 96), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, n = 87), Cambodia (n = 59) and Cuba (n = 51) were presented with an anonymous questionnaire with IVD symbols extracted from ISO 15223 and EN 980 presented as stand-alone symbols (n = 18) and in context (affixed on RDT packages, n = 16). Responses were open-ended and scored for correctness by local professionals.

Results

Presented as stand-alone, three and five IVD symbols were correctly scored for comprehension by 67% and 50% of participants; when contextually presented, five and seven symbols reached the 67% and 50% correct score respectively. 'Batch code' scored best (correctly scored by 71.3% of participants when presented as stand-alone), 'Authorized representative in the European Community' scored worst (1.4% correct). Another six IVD symbols were scored correctly by less than 10% of participants: 'Do not reuse', 'In vitro diagnostic medical device', 'Sufficient for', 'Date of manufacture', 'Authorised representative in EC', and 'Do not use if package is damaged'. Participants in Belgium and Cuba both scored six symbols above the 67% criterion, participants from DRC and Cambodia scored only two and one symbols above this criterion. Low correct scores were observed for safety-related IVD symbols, such as for 'Biological Risk' (42.7%) and 'Do not reuse' (10.9%).

Conclusion

Comprehension of IVD symbols on RDTs among laboratory staff in four international settings was unsatisfactory. Administrative and outreach procedures should be undertaken to assure their acquaintance by end-users.
Endothelial Dysfunction in the Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mouse: insights into the influence of diet, gender and aging
Authors: Meyrelles Silvana S , Peotta Veronica A , Pereira Thiago MC , Vasquez Elisardo C
Published: November 2011

Since the early 1990s, several strains of genetically modified mice have been developed as models for experimental atherosclerosis. Among the available models, the apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mouse is of particular relevance because of its propensity to spontaneously develop hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic lesions that are similar to those found in humans, even when the mice are fed a chow diet. The main purpose of this review is to highlight the key achievements that have contributed to elucidating the mechanisms pertaining to vascular dysfunction in the apoE-/- mouse. First, we summarize lipoproteins and atherosclerosis phenotypes in the apoE-/- mouse, and then we briefly discuss controversial evidence relative to the influence of gender on the development of atherosclerosis in this murine model. Second, we discuss the main mechanisms underlying the endothelial dysfunction of conducting vessels and resistance vessels and examine how this vascular defect can be influenced by diet, aging and gender in the apoE-/- mouse.
Optimizing parameters for clinical-scale production of high IL-12 secreting dendritic cells pulsed with oxidized whole tumor cell lysate
Authors: Chiang Cheryl L-L , Maier Dawn A , Kandalaft Lana E , Brennan Andrea L , Lanitis Evripidis , Ye Qunrui , Levine Bruce L , Czerniecki Brian J , Powell Jr Daniel J , Coukos George
Published: November 2011

Background

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cell population for activating tumor-specific T cells. Due to the wide range of methods for generating DCs, there is no common protocol or defined set of criteria to validate the immunogenicity and function of DC vaccines.

Methods

Monocyte-derived DCs were generated during 4 days of culture with recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and interleukin-4, and pulsed with tumor lysate produced by hypochlorous acid oxidation of tumor cells. Different culture parameters for clinical-scale DC preparation were investigated, including: 1) culture media; 2) culture surface; 3) duration of activating DCs with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon (IFN)-gamma; 4) method of DC harvest; and 5) cryomedia and final DC product formulation.

Results

DCs cultured in CellGenix DC media containing 2% human AB serum expressed higher levels of maturation markers following lysate-loading and maturation compared to culturing with serum-free CellGenix DC media or AIM-V media, or 2% AB serum supplemented AIM-V media. Nunclon™Δ surface, but not Corning®tissue-culture treated surface and Corning®ultra-low attachment surface, were suitable for generating an optimal DC phenotype. Recombinant trypsin resulted in reduced major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I and II expression on mature lysate-loaded DCs, however presentation of MHC Class I peptides by DCs was not impaired and cell viability was higher compared to cell scraping. Preservation of DCs with an infusible cryomedia containing Plasma-Lyte A, dextrose, sodium chloride injection, human serum albumin, and DMSO yielded higher cell viability compared to using human AB serum containing 10% DMSO. Finally, activating DCs for 16 hours with LPS and IFN-γ stimulated robust mixed leukocyte reactions (MLRs), and high IL-12p70 productionin vitrothat continued for 24 hours after the cryopreserved DCs were thawed and replated in fresh media.

Conclusions

This study examined criteria including DC phenotype, viability, IL-12p70 production and the ability to stimulate MLR as metrics of whole oxidized tumor lysate-pulsed DC immunogenicity and functionality. Development and optimization of this unique method is now being tested in a clinical trial of autologous oxidized tumor lysate-pulsed DC in clinical-scale in recurrent ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer (NCT01132014).
A simple route to vertical array of quasi-1D ZnO nanofilms on FTO surfaces: 1D-crystal growth of nanoseeds under ammonia-assisted hydrolysis process
Authors: Ali Umar Akrajas , Abd Rahman Mohd Yusri , Taslim Rika , Mat Salleh Muhamad , Oyama Munetaka
Published: November 2011

A simple method for the synthesis of ZnO nanofilms composed of vertical array of quasi-1D ZnO nanostructures (quasi-NRs) on the surface was demonstrated via a 1D crystal growth of the attached nanoseeds under a rapid hydrolysis process of zinc salts in the presence of ammonia at room temperature. In a typical procedure, by simply controlling the concentration of zinc acetate and ammonia in the reaction, a high density of vertically oriented nanorod-like morphology could be successfully obtained in a relatively short growth period (approximately 4 to 5 min) and at a room-temperature process. The average diameter and the length of the nanostructures are approximately 30 and 110 nm, respectively. The as-prepared quasi-NRs products were pure ZnO phase in nature without the presence of any zinc complexes as confirmed by the XRD characterisation. Room-temperature optical absorption spectroscopy exhibits the presence of two separate excitonic characters inferring that the as-prepared ZnO quasi-NRs are high-crystallinity properties in nature. The mechanism of growth for the ZnO quasi-NRs will be proposed. Due to their simplicity, the method should become a potential alternative for a rapid and cost-effective preparation of high-quality ZnO quasi-NRs nanofilms for use in photovoltaic or photocatalytics applications.

PACS: 81.07.Bc; 81.16.-c; 81.07.Gf.
One-step fabrication of biocompatible chitosan-coated ZnS and ZnS:Mn2+ quantum dots via a γ-radiation route
Authors: Chang Shu-quan , Kang Bin , Dai Yao-dong , Zhang Hong-xu , Chen Da
Published: November 2011

Biocompatible chitosan-coated ZnS quantum dots [CS-ZnS QDs] and chitosan-coated ZnS:Mn2+ quantum dots [CS-ZnS:Mn2+ QDs] were successfully fabricated via a convenient one-step γ-radiation route. The as-obtained QDs were around 5 nm in diameter with excellent water-solubility. These QDs emitting strong visible blue or orange light under UV excitation were successfully used as labels for PANC-1 cells. The cell experiments revealed that CS-ZnS and CS-ZnS:Mn2+ QDs showed low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility, which offered possibilities for further biomedical applications. Moreover, this convenient synthesis strategy could be extended to fabricate other nanoparticles coated with chitosan.

PACS: 81.07.Ta; 78.67.Hc; 82.35.Np; 87.85.Rs.