bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crossing an Ultracritical Carotid Stenosis for Carotid Angioplasty
Authors: Dahn Michael , Cheema Mohiuddin , Bozeman Patricia , Divinagracia Thomas
Published: October 2009

Carotid angioplasty requires early placement of a cerebral protection device in an effort to minimize cerebral embolization during the conduct of the subsequent angioplasty and stenting procedure. In patients who exhibit a very critical internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis (∼99%), initial passage of the lesion may not be possible with a standard 0.014-inch wire system. In this report, the authors describe an approach using a 0.012-inch hydrophilic system to overcome this technical obstacle.
Distal phalangeal bone cysts: differentiation of enchondromata and epidermal cysts
Authors: Momeni A. , Iblher N. , Herget G. , Bley T. , Stark G. B. , Bannasch H.
Published: October 2009

Enchondromas are common in the hand but less frequent in the distal phalanges. Epidermal cysts are rare in the hand but when they occur can be difficult to differentiate from enchondromas both clinically and radiologically. Our review of seven distal phalangeal bone lesions treated over 7 years included four enchondromas and three epidermal cysts. The patients with epidermal cysts all had a history of previous penetrating trauma 5–8 years earlier. One patient with an enchondroma had a history of a penetrating injury. Patients presenting with distal phalangeal lesions and a history of previous penetrating injury appear more likely to have an epidermal cyst than an enchondroma. This is important as there may be a higher recurrence rate following curettage and bone grafting.
An impaired transendothelial migration potential of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells can be linked to ephrin-A4 expression
Authors: Trinidad Eva M. , Ballesteros Mónica , Zuloaga Jaime , Zapata Agustín , Alonso-Colmenar Luis M.
Published: October 2009

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cell migration into lymphoid tissues is an important aspect of the pathobiology of this disease. Here, we investigated the role of ephrin-A4 (EFNA4) in the transendothelial migration (TEM) capacity of CLL and normal B cells through interacting with endothelial EphA2 (erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma). CLL cells showed a remarkable impairment in the adhesion to and transmigration through human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers, correlating with their higher EFNA4 expression. In vitro, TEM was mediated by EFNA4 binding to endothelial EphA2 receptor, which is highly expressed in tumor necrosis factor-α–activated HUVECs as well as in the CD31+ endothelial cells of human lymph nodes. The pretreatment of CLL cells with EphA2 homodimers further impaired their adhesion to and transmigration through HUVEC monolayers, whereas pretreatment of HUVECs with EFNA4 homodimers improved those phenomena in both CLL and normal B cells, suggesting that EFNA4 signaling negatively contributed to TEM. In fact, EFNA4 signaling into CLL cells significantly reduced their adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and several extracellular matrix molecules and impaired CCL-19–mediated TEM and chemotaxis. Our results suggest that EFNA4-EphA2 interactions are involved in CLL cell trafficking between blood and the tissues and therefore may become a therapeutic target in the future.
In vitro–differentiated T/natural killer–cell progenitors derived from human CD34+ cells mature in the thymus
Authors: Meek Bob , Cloosen Silvie , Borsotti Chiara , Van Elssen Catharina H. M. J. , Vanderlocht Joris , Schnijderberg Melanie C. A. , van der Poel Marjolein W. M. , Leewis Bas , Hesselink Reinout , Manz Markus G. , Katsura Yoshimoto , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Germeraad Wilfred T. V. , Bos Gerard M. J.
Published: October 2009

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) is a treatment option for patients with hematopoietic malignancies that is hampered by treatment-related morbidity and mortality, in part the result of opportunistic infections, a direct consequence of delayed T-cell recovery. Thymic output can be improved by facilitation of thymic immigration, known to require precommitment of CD34+ cells. We demonstrate that Delta-like ligand-mediated predifferentiation of mobilized CD34+ cells in vitro results in a population of thymocyte-like cells arrested at a T/natural killer (NK)–cell progenitor stage. On intrahepatic transfer to Rag2−/−γc−/− mice, these cells selectively home to the thymus and differentiate toward surface T-cell receptor–αβ+ mature T cells considerably faster than animals transplanted with noncultured CD34+ cells. This finding creates the opportunity to develop an early T-cell reconstitution therapy to combine with HSCT.
Endocytosis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins
Authors: Lakhan Shaheen E , Sabharanjak Shefali , De Ananya
Published: October 2009

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) represent an interesting amalgamation of the three basic kinds of cellular macromolecules viz. proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. An unusually hybrid moiety, the GPI-anchor is expressed in a diverse range of organisms from parasites to mammalian cells and serves to anchor a large number of functionally diverse proteins and has been the center of attention in scientific debate for some time now. Membrane organization of GPI-APs into laterally-organized cholesterol-sphingolipid ordered membrane domains or "rafts" and endocytosis of GPI-APs has been intensely debated. Inclusion into or exclusion from these membrane domains seems to be the critical factor in determining the endocytic mechanisms and intracellular destinations of GPI-APs. The intracellular signaling as well as endocytic trafficking of GPI-APs is critically dependent upon the cell surface organization of GPI-APs, and the associations with these lipid rafts play a vital role during these processes. The mechanism of endocytosis for GPI-APs may differ from other cellular endocytic pathways, such as those mediated by clathrin-coated pits (caveolae), and is necessary for unique biological functions. Numerous intracellular factors are involved in and regulate the endocytosis of GPI-APs, and these may be variably dependent on cell-type. The central focus of this article is to describe the significance of the endocytosis of GPI-APs on a multitude of biological processes, ranging from nutrient-uptake to more complex immune responses. Ultimately, a thorough elucidation of GPI-AP mediated signaling pathways and their regulatory elements will enhance our understanding of essential biological processes and benefit as components of disease intervention strategies.
Magallanes: a web services discovery and automatic workflow composition tool
Authors: Ríos Javier , Karlsson Johan , Trelles Oswaldo
Published: October 2009

Background

To aid in bioinformatics data processing and analysis, an increasing number of web-based applications are being deployed. Although this is a positive circumstance in general, the proliferation of tools makes it difficult to find the right tool, or more importantly, the right set of tools that can work together to solve real complex problems.

Results

Magallanes (Magellan) is a versatile, platform-independent Java library of algorithms aimed at discovering bioinformatics web services and associated data types. A second important feature of Magallanes is its ability to connect available and compatible web services into workflows that can process data sequentially to reach a desired output given a particular input. Magallanes' capabilities can be exploited both as an API or directly accessed through a graphic user interface.

The Magallanes' API is freely available for academic use, and together with Magallanes application has been tested in MS-Windows™ XP and Unix-like operating systems. Detailed implementation information, including user manuals and tutorials, is available at http://www.bitlab-es.com/magallanes.

Conclusion

Different implementations of the same client (web page, desktop applications, web services, etc.) have been deployed and are currently in use in real installations such as the National Institute of Bioinformatics (Spain) and the ACGT-EU project. This shows the potential utility and versatility of the software library, including the integration of novel tools in the domain and with strong evidences in the line of facilitate the automatic discovering and composition of workflows.
Data recovery and integration from public databases uncovers transformation-specific transcriptional downregulation of cAMP-PKA pathway-encoding genes
Authors: Balestrieri Chiara , Alberghina Lilia , Vanoni Marco , Chiaradonna Ferdinando
Published: October 2009

Background

The integration of data from multiple genome-wide assays is essential for understanding dynamic spatio-temporal interactions within cells. Such integration, which leads to a more complete view of cellular processes, offers the opportunity to rationalize better the high amount of "omics" data freely available in several public databases.

In particular, integration of microarray-derived transcriptome data with other high-throughput analyses (genomic and mutational analysis, promoter analysis) may allow us to unravel transcriptional regulatory networks under a variety of physio-pathological situations, such as the alteration in the cross-talk between signal transduction pathways in transformed cells.

Results

Here we sequentially apply web-based and statistical tools to a case study: the role of oncogenic activation of different signal transduction pathways in the transcriptional regulation of genes encoding proteins involved in the cAMP-PKA pathway. To this end, we first re-analyzed available genome-wide expression data for genes encoding proteins of the downstream branch of the PKA pathway in normal tissues and human tumor cell lines. Then, in order to identify mutation-dependent transcriptional signatures, we classified cancer cells as a function of their mutational state. The results of such procedure were used as a starting point to analyze the structure of PKA pathway-encoding genes promoters, leading to identification of specific combinations of transcription factor binding sites, which are neatly consistent with available experimental data and help to clarify the relation between gene expression, transcriptional factors and oncogenes in our case study.

Conclusions

Genome-wide, large-scale "omics" experimental technologies give different, complementary perspectives on the structure and regulatory properties of complex systems. Even the relatively simple, integrated workflow presented here offers opportunities not only for filtering data noise intrinsic in high throughput data, but also to progressively extract novel information that would have remained hidden otherwise. In fact we have been able to detect a strong transcriptional repression of genes encoding proteins of cAMP/PKA pathway in cancer cells of different genetic origins. The basic workflow presented herein may be easily extended by incorporating other tools and can be applied even by researchers with poor bioinformatics skills.
Epigenetic regulation of the honey bee transcriptome: unravelling the nature of methylated genes
Authors: Foret Sylvain , Kucharski Robert , Pittelkow Yvonne , Lockett Gabrielle A , Maleszka Ryszard
Published: October 2009

Background

Epigenetic modification of DNA via methylation is one of the key inventions in eukaryotic evolution. It provides a source for the switching of gene activities, the maintenance of stable phenotypes and the integration of environmental and genomic signals. Although this process is widespread among eukaryotes, both the patterns of methylation and their relevant biological roles not only vary noticeably in different lineages, but often are poorly understood. In addition, the evolutionary origins of DNA methylation in multicellular organisms remain enigmatic. Here we used a new 'epigenetic' model, the social honey beeApis mellifera, to gain insights into the significance of methylated genes.

Results

We combined microarray profiling of several tissues with genome-scale bioinformatics and bisulfite sequencing of selected genes to study the honey bee methylome. We find that around 35% of the annotated honey bee genes are expected to be methylated at the CpG dinucleotides by a highly conserved DNA methylation system. We show that one unifying feature of the methylated genes in this species is their broad pattern of expression and the associated 'housekeeping' roles. In contrast, genes involved in more stringently regulated spatial or temporal functions are predicted to be un-methylated.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that honey bees use CpG methylation of intragenic regions as an epigenetic mechanism to control the levels of activity of the genes that are broadly expressed and might be needed for conserved core biological processes in virtually every type of cell. We discuss the implications of our findings for genome-scale regulatory network structures and the evolution of the role(s) of DNA methylation in eukaryotes. Our findings are particularly important in the context of the emerging evidence that environmental factors can influence the epigenetic settings of some genes and lead to serious metabolic and behavioural disorders.
Characterization of meiotic crossovers and gene conversion by whole-genome sequencing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Qi Ji , Wijeratne Asela J , Tomsho Lynn P , Hu Yi , Schuster Stephan C , Ma Hong
Published: October 2009

Background

Meiotic recombination alters frequency and distribution of genetic variation, impacting genetics and evolution. In the budding yeast, DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and D loops form either crossovers (COs) or non-crossovers (NCOs), which occur at many sites in the genome. Differences at the nucleotide level associated with COs and NCOs enable us to detect these recombination events and their distributions.

Results

We used high throughput sequencing to uncover over 46 thousand single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between two budding yeast strains and investigated meiotic recombinational events. We provided a detailed analysis of CO and NCO events, including number, size range, and distribution on chromosomes. We have detected 91 COs, very close to the average number from previous genetic studies, as well as 21 NCO events and mapped the positions of these events with high resolution. We have obtained DNA sequence-level evidence for a wide range of sizes of chromosomal regions involved in CO and NCO events. We show that a large fraction of the COs are accompanied by gene conversion (GC), indicating that meiotic recombination changes allelic frequencies, in addition to redistributing existing genetic variations.

Conclusion

This work is the first reported study of meiotic recombination using high throughput sequencing technologies. Our results show that high-throughput sequencing is a sensitive method to uncover at single-base resolution details of CO and NCO events, including some complex patterns, providing new clues about the mechanism of this fundamental process.
Influenza activity in Cambodia during 2006-2008
Authors: Mardy Sek , Ly Sovann , Heng Seng , Vong Sirenda , Huch Chea , Nora Chea , Asgari Nima , Miller Megge , Bergeri Isabelle , Rehmet Sybille , Veasna Duong , Zhou Weigong , Kasai Takeshi , Touch Sok , Buchy Philippe
Published: October 2009

Background

There is little information about influenza disease among the Cambodian population. To better understand the dynamics of influenza in Cambodia, the Cambodian National Influenza Center (NIC) was established in August 2006. To continuously monitor influenza activity, a hospital based sentinel surveillance system for ILI (influenza like illness) with a weekly reporting and sampling scheme was established in five sites in 2006. In addition, hospital based surveillance of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) cases was established in 2 sites.

Methods

The sentinel sites collect weekly epidemiological data on ILI patients fulfilling the case definition, and take naso-pharyngeal specimens from a defined number of cases per week. The samples are tested in the Virology Unit at the Institut Pasteur in Phnom Penh. From each sample viral RNA was extracted and amplified by a multiplex RT-PCR detecting simultaneously influenza A and influenza B virus. Influenza A viruses were then subtyped and analyzed by hemagglutination inhibition assay. Samples collected by the ALRI system were tested with the same approach.

Results

From 2006 to 2008, influenza circulation was observed mainly from June to December, with a clear seasonal peak in October shown in the data from 2008.

Conclusion

Influenza activity in Cambodia occurred during the rainy season, from June to December, and ended before the cool season (extending usually from December to February). Although Cambodia is a tropical country geographically located in the northern hemisphere, influenza activity has a southern hemisphere transmission pattern. Together with the antigenic analysis of the circulating strains, it is now possible to give better influenza vaccination recommendation for Cambodia.
HIPK2 modulates p53 activity towards pro-apoptotic transcription
Authors: Puca Rosa , Nardinocchi Lavinia , Sacchi Ada , Rechavi Gideon , Givol David , D'Orazi Gabriella
Published: October 2009

Background

Activation of p53-mediated gene transcription is a critical cellular response to DNA damage and involves a phosphorylation-acetylation cascade of p53. The discovery of differences in the response to different agents raises the question whether some of the p53 oncosuppressor functions might be exerted by different posttranslational modifications. Stress-induced homeodomain-interacting protein kinase-2 (HIPK2) phosphorylates p53 at serine-46 (Ser46) for p53 apoptotic activity; p53 acetylation at different C-terminus lysines including p300-mediated lysine-382 (Lys382) is also required for full activation of p53 transcriptional activity. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the interplay among HIPK2, p300, and p53 in p53 acetylation and apoptotic transcriptional activity in response to drug by using siRNA interference, p300 overexpression or deacetylase inhibitors, in cancer cells.

Results

Knockdown of HIPK2 inhibited both adriamycin-induced Ser46 phosphorylation and Lys382 acetylation in p53 protein; however, while combination of ADR and zinc restored Ser46 phosphorylation it did not recover Lys382 acetylation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies showed that HIPK2 was required in vivo for efficient p300/p53 co-recruitment onto apoptotic promoters and that both p53 modifications at Ser46 and Lys382 were necessary for p53 apoptotic transcription. Thus, p53Lys382 acetylation in HIPK2 knockdown as well as p53 apoptotic activity in response to drug could be rescued by p300 overexpression. Similar effect was obtained with the Sirt1-inhibitor nicotinamide. Interestingly trichostatin A (TSA), the inhibitor of histone deacetylase complexes (HDAC) did not have effect, suggesting that Sirt1 was the deacetylase involved in p53 deacetylation in HIPK2 knockdown.

Conclusion

These results reveal a novel role for HIPK2 in activating p53 apoptotic transcription. Our results indicate that HIPK2 may regulate the balance between p53 acetylation and deacetylation, by stimulating on one hand co-recruitment of p300 and p53Lys382 on apoptotic promoters and on the other hand by inhibiting Sirt1 deacetylase activity. We attempted to reactivate p53 apoptotic transcriptional activity by rescuing both Ser46 and Lys382 modification in response to drug. Our data propose combination strategies for the treatment of tumors with dysfunctional p53 and/or HIPK2 that include classical chemotherapy with pharmacological or natural agents such as Sirt1-deacetylase inhibitors or zinc, respectively.
Role of the Fas/FasL Pathway in HIV or SIV Disease
Authors: Poonia Bhawna , Pauza C David , Salvato Maria S
Published: October 2009

Human immunodeficiency virus disease involves progressive destruction of host immunity leading to opportunistic infections and increased rates for malignancies. Quantitative depletion of immune cell subsets and accruing defects in cell effector functions are together responsible for immunodeficiency The broad impact of HIV reflects a similarly broad spectrum of affected cells including subsets that do not express viral receptors or support viral replication. Indirect cell killing, the destruction of uninfected cells, is one important mechanism due partly to activation of the Fas/FasL system for cell death. This death-signaling pathway is induced during HIV disease and contributes significantly to viral pathogenesis and disease.
The diagnostic dilemma of a multilocular renal cyst: a case report
Authors: Patel Gaural , Choudhry Muhammad , Lakhoo Kokila
Published: October 2009

Introduction

Renal cysts presenting in childhood are rare. Historically, renal cysts have been subject to variable nomenclature which has contributed to diagnostic difficulties. They can occur as solitary, unilateral or multiple lesions. Cysts can be further classified according to loculation, communications within the structure and tissue types present.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 15-month-old Caucasian boy presenting with abdominal distension as the only clinical symptom. On examination, an ill-defined abdominal mass was found. This was confirmed on ultrasound to be a multiseptated cystic mass with a solid element, arising from the right side of the abdomen. Despite further imaging, the origin of the mass could not be identified. The mass was suspected of malignancy but all blood tests and tumour markers were normal. The mass proved to be a diagnostic challenge. The renal origin of the mass was only confirmed at surgery.

Conclusion

Imaging appears to be unreliable in differentiating benign cysts from malignant renal tumours, raising a diagnostic dilemma where surgery seems the only way to reliably establish aetiology of the mass.
Parallel metatranscriptome analyses of host and symbiont gene expression in the gut of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes
Authors: Tartar Aurélien , Wheeler Marsha M , Zhou Xuguo , Coy Monique R , Boucias Drion G , Scharf Michael E
Published: October 2009

Background

Termite lignocellulose digestion is achieved through a collaboration of host plus prokaryotic and eukaryotic symbionts. In the present work, we took a combined host and symbiont metatranscriptomic approach for investigating the digestive contributions of host and symbiont in the lower termiteReticulitermes flavipes. Our approach consisted of parallel high-throughput sequencing from (i) a host gut cDNA library and (ii) a hindgut symbiont cDNA library. Subsequently, we undertook functional analyses of newly identified phenoloxidases with potential importance as pretreatment enzymes in industrial lignocellulose processing.

Results

Over 10,000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were sequenced from the 2 libraries that aligned into 6,555 putative transcripts, including 171 putative lignocellulase genes. Sequence analyses provided insights in two areas. First, a non-overlapping complement of host and symbiont (prokaryotic plus protist) glycohydrolase gene families known to participate in cellulose, hemicellulose, alpha carbohydrate, and chitin degradation were identified. Of these, cellulases are contributed by host plus symbiont genomes, whereas hemicellulases are contributed exclusively by symbiont genomes. Second, a diverse complement of previously unknown genes that encode proteins with homology to lignase, antioxidant, and detoxification enzymes were identified exclusively from the host library (laccase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, carboxylesterase, cytochrome P450). Subsequently, functional analyses of phenoloxidase activity provided results that were strongly consistent with patterns of laccase gene expression. In particular, phenoloxidase activity and laccase gene expression are mostly restricted to symbiont-free foregut plus salivary gland tissues, and phenoloxidase activity is inducible by lignin feeding.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first time that a dual host-symbiont transcriptome sequencing effort has been conducted in a single termite species. This sequence database represents an important new genomic resource for use in further studies of collaborative host-symbiont termite digestion, as well as development of coevolved host and symbiont-derived biocatalysts for use in industrial biomass-to-bioethanol applications. Additionally, this study demonstrates that: (i) phenoloxidase activities are prominent in theR. flavipesgut and are not symbiont derived, (ii) expands the known number of host and symbiont glycosyl hydrolase families inReticulitermes, and (iii) supports previous models of lignin degradation and host-symbiont collaboration in cellulose/hemicellulose digestion in the termite gut. All sequences in this paper are available publicly with the accession numbers FL634956-FL640828 (Termite Gut library) and FL641015-FL645753 (Symbiont library).
Relationship between anti-dsDNA, anti-nucleosome and anti-alpha-actinin antibodies and markers of renal disease in patients with lupus nephritis: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Manson Jessica J , Ma Alexander , Rogers Pauline , Mason Lesley J , Berden Jo H , van der Vlag Johan , D'Cruz David P , Isenberg David A , Rahman Anisur
Published: October 2009

Introduction

Glomerulonephritis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Deposition of autoantibodies in the glomeruli plays a key role in the development of lupus nephritis (LN). Different groups have proposed that either anti-nucleosome antibodies or antibodies that bind the intrinsic renal antigen, α-actinin, are central to the pathogenesis of LN. These theories have been based mainly on cross-sectional studies in patients and on experiments in animal models. No previous longitudinal studies have compared the relationships between levels of these antibodies and markers of renal function. We assessed how well anti-α-actinin, anti-nucleosome and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies reflected renal outcome measures in patients with new-onset LN followed for up to 2 years.

Methods

Renal disease activity was monitored by measuring urine protein/creatinine ratio (PCR), serum albumin and a composite outcome of renal remission. At each time point, anti-nucleosome and anti-α-actinin antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High-avidity anti-dsDNA antibodies were measured using the Farrzyme assay. We analysed relationships between levels of the three antibodies and between antibody levels and renal outcome measures over time.

Results

Levels of anti-nucleosome and anti-dsDNA were positively correlated with each other (r = 0.6, P = 0.0001) but neither correlated with anti-α-actinin level. At baseline, mean anti-nucleosome levels were higher in patients with LN than in healthy controls (0.32 versus 0.01, P < 0.001). The same was true for anti-dsDNA antibodies (0.50 versus 0.07, P < 0.001) but not for anti-α-actinin (0.33 versus 0.29). Over the follow-up period, anti-nucleosome and anti-dsDNA levels associated positively with urine PCR (P = 0.041 and 0.051, respectively) and negatively with serum albumin (P = 0.027 and 0.032, respectively). Both anti-nucleosome and anti-dsDNA levels were significantly lower during renal remission than when renal disease was active (P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). However, there was no relationship between anti-α-actinin levels and urine PCR, serum albumin or remission status.

Conclusions

This prospective longitudinal clinical study is the first to compare levels of anti-nucleosome, anti-dsDNA and anti-α-actinin antibodies in the same patients with SLE. Our results support the concept that, in the majority of patients, anti-nucleosome antibodies play a major role in pathogenesis of LN, in contrast to anti-α-actinin antibodies.
Increased levels of circulating microparticles in primary Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis and relation with disease activity
Authors: Sellam Jérémie , Proulle Valérie , Jüngel Astrid , Ittah Marc , Miceli Richard Corinne , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Toti Florence , Benessiano Joelle , Gay Steffen , Freyssinet Jean-Marie , Mariette Xavier
Published: October 2009

Introduction

Cell stimulation leads to the shedding of phosphatidylserine (PS)-rich microparticles (MPs). Because autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are characterized by cell activation, we investigated level of circulating MPs as a possible biomarker in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We measured plasma levels of total, platelet and leukocyte MPs by prothrombinase capture assay and flow cytometry in 43 patients with pSS, 20 with SLE and 24 with RA and in 44 healthy controls (HCs). Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activity was assessed by fluorometry. Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and soluble P-selectin (sCD62P), reflecting platelet activation, were measured by ELISA.

Results

Patients with pSS showed increased plasma level of total MPs (mean ± SEM 8.49 ± 1.14 nM PS equivalent (Eq), P < 0.0001), as did patients with RA (7.23 ± 1.05 n PS Eq, P = 0.004) and SLE (7.3 ± 1.25 nM PS Eq, P = 0.0004), as compared with HCs (4.13 ± 0.2 nM PS Eq). Patients with AIDs all showed increased level of platelet MPs (P < 0.0001), but only those with pSS showed increased level of leukocyte MPs (P < 0.0001). Results by capture assay and flow cytometry were correlated. In patients with high disease activity according to extra-glandular complications (pSS), DAS28 (RA) or SLEDAI (SLE) compared with low-activity patients, the MP level was only slightly increased in comparison with those having a low disease activity. Platelet MP level was inversely correlated with anti-DNA antibody level in SLE (r = -0.65; P = 0.003) and serum β2 microglobulin level in pSS (r = -0.37; P < 0.03). The levels of total and platelet MPs were inversely correlated with sPLA2 activity (r = -0.37, P = 0.0007; r = -0.36, P = 0.002, respectively). sCD40L and sCD62P concentrations were significantly higher in pSS than in HC (P ≤ 0.006).

Conclusions

Plasma MP level is elevated in pSS, as well as in SLE and RA, and could be used as a biomarker reflecting systemic cell activation. Level of leukocyte-derived MPs is increased in pSS only. The MP level is low in case of more severe AID, probably because of high secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activity, which leads to consumption of MPs. Increase of platelet-derived MPs, sCD40L and sCD62P, highlights platelet activation in pSS.
Adsorption of Nitrogen Oxides, Water Vapour and Ozone onto Activated Carbon
Authors: Sager Uta , Schmidt Frank
Published: October 2009

Noxious gases and odours in cabin air are reduced by activated carbon filters. However, the adsorption process involved in cabin air filtration is very complex because of the large number of influencing parameters. Some important parameters are changes in the input concentrations and surrounding conditions. Furthermore, the presence of different substances leads to their mutual influence on the respective adsorption processes. The separation of nitrogen oxides is an especial focus of discussion in Germany at present because of decreasing ambient exposure limits. One part of the study presented herein deals with the binary adsorption of nitrogen dioxide in humid air at varying NO2 input concentrations, relative humidity and temperature. In order to obtain more information about this process, after initial validation of the test procedure employed, breakthrough curves of NO2 have been undertaken in the present study. In the second part of the study, the influence of a third adsorptive (ozone) on the adsorption of nitrogen dioxide has been investigated.
Adsorption of Laccase onto Mesoporous Silica Prepared with Inorganic Counterions
Authors: Shao Jian-Guo , Deng Wen-Jing , Yang Yu-Xiang , Liu Xiang-Nong , Chen Ya-Ru
Published: October 2009

Mesoporous silica has been prepared using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the silica source and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the template, with Cl− and SO24− as the respective inorganic counterions. The as-made mesoporous silica samples were calcined at different temperatures, following which the adsorption isotherms of laccase onto the calcined mesoporous silica surface were obtained. The relationships between the adsorption isotherm type and the morphology, pore diameter, surface electrical potentials (ζ) as well as the values of the isoelectric point (IEP) of the mesoporous silica were discussed.
Adsorption of Manganese(II) Ions by EDTA-treated Activated Carbons
Authors: Khan Ameena Y. , Mazyck David W.
Published: October 2009

The adsorption of manganese(II) ions from aqueous solution onto three different granular activated carbons treated with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and its sodium salt was investigated. Characterization of the chelate-treated carbons showed that EDTA altered the physical and chemical properties of the sorbents relative to their untreated counterparts. Furthermore, the modified sorbents exhibited a heightened capacity towards the adsorption of Mn(II) ions from aqueous media. Manganese(II) ion removal increased from 0 to 6.5 mg/g for the lignite coal-based sorbent, from 3.5 to 14.7 mg/g for the wood-based sorbent and from 1.3 to 7.9 mg/g for the bituminous coal-based sorbent. The increased removal is attributed, in part, to the creation of Lewis base sites that participate in covalent interactions and hydrolysis reactions.
Separation by Macroporous Resins of 10-Hydroxycamptothecin from the Remainder Extracts in the Production of Camptothecin
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhao Chunjian , Li Chunying , Li Jiahui , Li Xiaojuan , Zu Yuangang
Published: October 2009

In the present study, a method for the separation by macroporous resins of 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) from the extracts remaining from the production of camptothecin (CPT) has been developed. The adsorption/desorption characteristics of HCPT on eight macroporous resins were compared. Of these, the X-5 resin offered the best adsorption/desorption densities for HCPT, with its adsorption data being best fitted by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Dynamic adsorption/desorption experiments were carried out in a column packed with X-5 resin in order to optimize the separation process. The optimum parameters for adsorption were as follows: sample solution concentration = 0.3156 mg/mℓ, processing volume = 5 BV (bed volume), flow rate = 4 BV/h, temperature = 313 K, pH = 5; for desorption, the corresponding parameters were: 10–60% ethanol as eluent, processing volume = 2 BV, flow rate = 4 BV/h. After being treated with X-5 resin, the content of HCPT in the dry product increased from 0.30% to 7.19%, i.e. a 23.9-fold increase when compared to the untreated extract, with the recovery yield of HCPT being 82.1%.
Linking Carbon Markets: The Climate Change Silver Bullet?
Authors: Gilbert Alyssa
Published: October 2009

With the rising popularity of emissions trading schemes and the private sector call for a global carbon market, it seems as though there is the chance to solve climate change by simply providing a clear price signal. But how easy will this be, both technically and practically? This paper provides an overview of the challenges in policy design terms involved in directly linking existing emissions trading schemes, and the status of planned emissions trading schemes, in order to set the potential of establishing a policy framework for a global carbon market in a realistic frame. The paper begins by outlining what linking is and setting out the advantages and risks of linking schemes. The key criteria to consider in order to establish compatibility for linking are explored, and then a summary of existing or planned schemes is given to highlight some of the technical challenges involved in linking emissions trading schemes together. The paper goes on to describe how a linked scheme could be set up and then moves on to the political arena, looking more closely at the political benefits and risks of linking and then discussing whether or not linking emissions trading schemes is an element of, or an alternative to, a global climate policy.
Designing a Climate Policy: A Carbon Tax Approach with Adaptation Funds
Authors: Seo S. Niggol
Published: October 2009

This paper suggests a climate policy that integrates adaptation funds into a harmonized carbon tax approach. In the proposed approach, the world will set a carbon tax assuming that vulnerable sectors will adapt to future changes at its full capacity. At the same time, the world will support climate adaptation programs at a regional level. A mitigation policy will be set at the global level while adaptation measures will be taken at a local or regional level. The carbon revenue generated from a mitigation program will be used to support adaptation aid programs in developing countries. This augmented carbon tax approach has the capacity to deal with climate inequities while it creates additional incentives for developing countries to participate in a global mitigation effort.
Nuclear Power and Environmentalism in Italy
Authors: Standish Dominic
Published: October 2009

Pressure to restart nuclear power has mounted as Italy has become the world's largest electricity importer. The Italian environmental movement campaigned against nuclear power during the 1980s, culminating in a 1987 moratorium on nuclear power production. The green movement was partly institutionalised by the Italian state during the 1990s, which contributed to the upholding of the moratorium. Internationally, some environmentalists have recently embraced nuclear power as an environmentally-friendly response to climate change. New nuclear power plants are planned in the USA, UK and ‘considered’ elsewhere. In Italy, however, the 1980s movement has a durable legacy which maintains opposition to nuclear power without evidence of it being reconsidered due to climate change. But in the general election of April 2008, environmentalists' political influence was reduced and a government promising to reopen nuclear plants was elected. Also, imported nuclear power from foreign joint ventures is now increasing and may provide an alternative to re-starting domestic nuclear generation.
Global Warming and Carbon-Negative Technology: Prospects for a Lower-Cost Route to a Lower-Risk Atmosphere
Authors: Eisenberger Peter M. , Cohen Roger W. , Chichilnisky Graciela , Eisenberger Nicholas M. , Chance Ronald R. , Jones Christopher W.
Published: October 2009

Aggressive efficiency improvements and a shift away from fossil fuels cannot offset climate change threats. This realization creates an imperative for ‘carbon-negative’ mitigation measures; that is, measures that can reduce atmospheric carbon faster than emissions will load the atmosphere. Among such measures, air extraction technology, coupled with secure sequestration, offers advantages of centralization and control without direct intervention in the biosphere or major collateral environmental impact. Significant new scientific developments in air extraction show promise of greatly reduced costs, such that decreasing the concentration of carbon in the atmosphere to substantially lower risk levels may be economically practicable. These developments create a strong case for expanded R&D efforts aimed at advancing air extraction technology.
A Sport Leader's Attempt to Foster a Coaches' Community of Practice
Authors: Culver Diane M. , Trudel Pierre , Werthner Penny
Published: October 2009

This case study examines a sport leader's attempt to foster a coaches' community of practice in a competitive youth baseball league. It is analysed using Wenger's [8] community of practice framework. Interviews were conducted with seven participants including the sport leader (technical director), the league manager, and five coaches. The retrospective account of time period 1 (covering four years) portrays how a visionary leader instigated changes in the sport culture to have coaches share knowledge with the common goal of developing all of the league athletes. For example, the coaches were selected for their specific expertise and were given the responsibility for the corresponding players not only on their own team but on all teams in the league. Establishing a co-operative environment in a competitive context required strong leadership and presented challenges including the alignment of all the coaches, parents, and referees. The time period 2 (covering three years), also studied retrospectively, demonstrates that the loss of the visionary leader led to the return to a more traditional, competitive environment. Finally, the time period 3 (covering one year), which was the timeframe when the research project was conducted, shows a willingness to return to the collaborative ways of time period 1, but also the challenges in making this happen without the presence of a strong, visionary leader.
Discriminating Skilled Coaching Groups: Quantitative Examination of Developmental Experiences and Activities
Authors: Young Bradley W. , Jemczyk Krista , Brophy Kevin , Côté Jean
Published: October 2009

Literature suggests that the pathway to coaching excellence involves progression through incremental skilled coaching groups over extended durations. Critical in this development is the immersion of developing coaches in various domains of engagement and learning over time. Using a retrospective survey, this study quantified the cumulative activities, experiences, and interactions that competitive-stream Canadian track and field coaches experienced in formal coaching education, active coaching experience, mentoring, and former athletic experience domains. Analyses identified critical experiences that discriminated between four incremental skill groups: local club (n = 24), senior club (n = 19), provincial (n =10), and national coaches (n = 18). Results demonstrated that certain measures in each of the domains discriminated between the groups, including years of coaching, interactive hours working with athletes, having more assisting coaches whom one has mentored, and having taken more post-secondary coaching courses. These variables, along with former athletic experience prerequisites, were attached to a preliminary between-group developmental framework.
Employers' Liability for Occupational Stress and Death from Overwork in the United States and the United Kingdom
Authors: Kobayashi Tamie , Middlemiss Sam
Published: October 2009

The premise of this paper is that those persons who excessively overwork can die as a result, through stress-related illness or suicide. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of the legal treatment of stress-related illness at work and, in particular, death by overwork (known as Karoshi in Japan). The legal rules governing this aspect of health and safety in the US and the UK will be considered primarily, because these are countries where this problem has not been properly recognized and, accordingly, legislators and the judiciary in both the US and the UK have largely failed to address it. Despite this, it is a fact that organizations in these countries have the worst record for requiring their workforce to work excessively and/or for long hours. Research has shown that this leads to stress-related illness and sometimes death by overwork in organizations. The failure to take legal action to deal with this problem in the US and the UK is all the more surprising and disappointing because these countries (along with Japan where it is legally recognized) have the richest economies in the world. It is now accepted that a working pattern and culture of long hours and excessive working adversely affect workers by putting at risk their physical and/or mental health, and it is important to consider how workers in this position are dealt with by employers and within the legal framework of both jurisdictions.
Reasonable Doubt in Credibility Contests: Sexual Assault and Sexual Equality
Authors: Boyle Christine
Published: October 2009

Sexual assault prosecutions present particular challenges in making credibility determinations in ‘he said/she said’ cases. An analysis of Canadian law illustrates how attempts to avoid the ‘either/or’ error can be vulnerable to a critique that the understanding of reasonable doubt in such cases is inconsistent with sex equality. The possible ways in which accused persons may be given the benefit of a less than reasonable doubt, and the resulting implications for both sex equality and judicial impartiality, are discussed in this article. A return to basic principles is suggested.
The Evidential Quality of Victim Personal Statements and Family Impact Statements
Authors: Edwards Ian
Published: October 2009

Victim personal statements (VPS) were introduced by the UK government in 2001 and family impact statements (FIS) in 2007. This article explores the evidential quality that VPS/FIS have at sentencing. First, the article considers the notion of procedural fairness for offenders and the relationship between it and the rationales for VPS/FIS. Secondly, as a case study, it explores the introduction of victim impact statements (VIS) in South Australia where the evidential quality of VIS was a central issue during parliamentary debate on the introduction of victims' rights to present orally their VIS. Thirdly, it evaluates the current law relating to the admissibility and evidential quality of VPS/FIS in English law. It is argued that incorporating victims' information in sentencing has the potential to undermine key principles of procedural fairness, but VPS/FIS pose little threat to the fair treatment of offenders in light of judicial guidance.
Melting of mixtures in silica nanopores
Authors: Czwartos Joanna , Sliwinska-Bartkowiak Malgorzata , Coasne Benoit , Gubbins Keith E.
Published: October 2009

We report experimental measurements of the melting of mixtures confined in nanoporous materials. Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS) was used to determine the solid–liquid phase diagram of bromobenzene/carbon tetrachloride (C6H5Br /CCl4) mixtures confined in controlled pore glasses (CPGs) with an average pore diameter H = 7.5 nm. Our results show that the phase diagram of the confined mixture is of the same type as that for the bulk, but the solid–liquid coexistence lines are located at different temperatures. These results are compared with those previously obtained for CCl4/C6H6 mixtures in activated carbon fibers (ACFs).
They “Miss More Than Anything Their Normal Life Back Home”: Masculinity and Extramarital Sex Among Mexican Migrants in Atlanta
Authors: Hirsch Jennifer S. , Muñoz‐Laboy Miguel , Nyhus Christina M. , Yount Kathryn M. , Bauermeister José A.
Published: October 2009

CONTEXT:Gender has been recognized as a significant influence on sexual health behaviors. Labor migration presents an important context of vulnerability for sexual health. To understand how the context of migration affects risk‐related practices, both cultural and social aspects of gender need to be explored.

METHODS:In the quantitative part of a mixed‐methods study conducted in 1999 in Atlanta, 187 Mexican migrant men were asked about their demographic characteristics; sexual history; migration motivations; substance use; social support; leisure‐time activities; and ideas about masculinity, sexuality and marriage. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to test the association between these domains and men's number of partners since their arrival in Atlanta.

RESULTS:Number of partners was positively associated with owning a home in Mexico; number of trips back to Mexico; social network size; having had a sex worker as a partner; and going out dancing and to strip clubs on weekends (coefficients, 0.3–4.1). It was negatively associated with age, education, contact with social network members and feeling that sex is tied to emotional intimacy (–0.4 to –1.0).

CONCLUSIONS:Programs must acknowledge and target migrant men's social networks and the spaces in which they may encounter risky sexual situations. Multilevel strategies, such as the development of more health‐enhancing community spaces and the promotion of safer sexual practices should form part of comprehensive efforts to reduce sexual risk among migrant men.