bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FLICE-Like Inhibitory Protein Blocks Transforming Growth Factor β1–Induced Caspase Activation and Apoptosis in Prostate Epithelial Cells
Authors: Nastiuk Kent L. , Yoo Kiwon , Lo Karen , Su Kevin , Yeung Patricia , Kutaka Julia , Danielpour David , Krolewski John J.
Published: February 2008

Androgen withdrawal induces the regression of human prostate cancers, but such cancers eventually become androgen-independent and metastasize. Thus, deciphering the mechanism of androgen withdrawal–induced apoptosis is critical to designing new therapies for prostate cancer. Previously, we showed that in the rat, castration-induced apoptosis is accompanied by a reduction in the expression of the apical caspase inhibitor FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP). To test the functional role of FLIP in inhibiting prostate epithelial cell apoptosis, we employed the rat prostate epithelial cell line NRP-152, which differentiates to a secretory phenotype in a low-mitogen medium and then undergoes apoptosis following the addition of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), mimicking androgen withdrawal–induced apoptosis. FLIP levels decline with TGFβ1 treatment, suggesting that apoptosis is mediated by caspase-8 and indeed the caspase inhibitor crmA blocks TGFβ1-induced apoptosis. Small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of FLIP recapitulates and enhances TGFβ1-induced cell death. NRP-152 cells stably transfected with constitutively expressed FLIP were refractory to TGFβ1-induced apoptosis. TGFβ1-induced caspase-3 activity is proportional to the level of cell death and inversely proportional to the level of FLIP expression in various clones. Moreover, neither caspase-3 nor PARP is cleaved in clones expressing high levels of FLIP. Furthermore, insulin, which inhibits differentiation, increases FLIP and inhibits TGFβ-induced death in a FLIP-dependent manner. Although neither Fas-Fc, sTNFRII-Fc, nor DR5-Fc blocked TGFβ1-induced cell death, there is a significant increase in tumor necrosis factor mRNA following TGFβ stimulation, suggesting both an unexpected role for tumor necrosis factor in this model system and the possibility that FLIP blocks another unknown caspase-dependent mediator of apoptosis. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(2):231–12)
Catecholamines Regulate the Activity, Secretion, and Synthesis of Renalase
Authors: Li Guoyong , Xu Jianchao , Wang Peili , Velazquez Heino , Li Yanyan , Wu Yanling , Desir Gary V.
Published: February 2008

Background—

We previously identified renalase, a secreted novel amine oxidase that specifically degrades circulating catecholamines. Parenteral administration of either native or recombinant renalase lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac contractility by metabolizing circulating catecholamines. Renalase plasma levels are markedly reduced in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is not known whether endogenous renalase contributes to the regulation of catecholamines.

Methods and Results—

We show here that circulating renalase lacks significant amine oxidase activity under basal conditions (prorenalase) but that a brief surge of epinephrine lasting <2 minutes causes renalase activity to increase from 48±18 to 2246±98 arbitrary units (n=3;
P
<0.002). Enzyme activation is detectable within 30 seconds and sustained for at least 60 minutes. Analysis of epinephrine-mediated hemodynamic changes in normotensive rats indicates that prorenalase becomes maximally activated when systolic pressure increases by >5 mm Hg. The catecholamine surge also leads to a 2.8-fold increase in plasma renalase concentration. Cultured cells exposed to dopamine upregulate steady-state renalase gene expression by >10-fold. The time course of prorenalase activation is abnormal in rats with chronic kidney disease.

Conclusions—

These data identify a novel mechanism for the regulation of circulating catecholamines. In the renalase pathway, excess catecholamine facilitates the conversion of prorenalase, an inactive plasma amine oxidase, to renalase, which can degrade catecholamines. Excess catecholamines not only regulate the activation of prorenalase but also promote its secretion and synthesis. Because chronic kidney disease is associated with a number of systemic abnormalities, including activation of the sympathetic nervous system, increased catecholamines levels, cardiac hypertrophy, and hypertension, renalase replacement is an attractive therapeutic modality owing to its role in catecholamine metabolism.
Glutathione Peroxidase-1 Plays a Major Role in Protecting Against Angiotensin II–Induced Vascular Dysfunction
Authors: Chrissobolis Sophocles , Didion Sean P. , Kinzenbaw Dale A. , Schrader Laura I. , Dayal Sanjana , Lentz Steven R. , Faraci Frank M.
Published: February 2008

Levels of reactive oxygen species, including hydrogen peroxide
,
increase in blood vessels during hypertension and in response to angiotensin II (Ang II). Although glutathione peroxidases are known to metabolize hydrogen peroxide, the role of glutathione peroxidase during hypertension is poorly defined. We tested the hypothesis that glutathione peroxidase-1 protects against Ang II–induced endothelial dysfunction. Responses of carotid arteries from
Gpx1
-deficient (
Gpx1
+/−
and
Gpx1
−/−
) and
Gpx1
transgenic mice, and their respective littermate controls, were examined in vitro after overnight incubation with either vehicle or Ang II. Under control conditions, relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh; an endothelium-dependent agonist) was similar in control,
Gpx1
+/−
, and
Gpx1
transgenic mice, whereas in
Gpx1
−/−
mice, responses to ACh were impaired. In control mice, ACh-induced vasorelaxation was not affected by 1 nmol/L of Ang II. In contrast, relaxation to ACh in arteries from
Gpx1
+/−
mice was inhibited by ≈60% after treatment with 1 nmol/L of Ang II, indicating that
Gpx1
haploinsufficiency markedly enhances Ang II–induced endothelial dysfunction. A higher concentration of Ang II (10 nmol/L) selectively impaired relaxation to ACh in arteries from control mice, and this effect was prevented in arteries from
Gpx1
transgenic mice or in arteries from control mice treated with polyethylene glycol-catalase (which degrades hydrogen peroxide). Thus, genetic and pharmacological evidence suggests a major role for glutathione peroxidase-1 and hydrogen peroxide in Ang II–induced effects on vascular function.
A New Verification Method to Ensure Consistent Ensemble Forecasts through Calibrated Precipitation Downscaling Models
Authors: Mascaro Giuseppe , Deidda Roberto , Vivoni Enrique R.
Published: February 2008

A new verification method is proposed to test the consistency of ensemble high-resolution precipitation fields forecasted by calibrated downscaling models. The method is based on a generalization of the verification rank histogram and tests the exceedance probability of a fixed precipitation threshold calculated from the observed or ensemble fields. A graphical tool that accounts for random assignments of the rank is proposed to provide guidance in histogram interpretation and to avoid a possible misunderstanding of model deficiencies. The verification method is applied on three numerical experiments carried out in controlled conditions using the space–time rainfall (STRAIN) downscaling model with the aims of investigating (i) the effect of sampling variability on parameter estimation from the observed fields and (ii) model performance when calibration relations between the parameter and a coarse meteorological observable are used to interpret events arising from one or more physical conditions. Results show that (i) ensemble members generated using the parameters estimated on the observed event are overdispersed; (ii) the adoption of a single calibration relation can lead to the generation of consistent ensemble members; and (iii) when a single calibration relation is not able to explain observed event variability, storm-specific calibration relations should be adopted to return consistent forecasts.
Using Video Clips of Mathematics Classroom Instruction as Item Prompts to Measure Teachers' Knowledge of Teaching Mathematics
Authors: Kersting Nicole
Published: February 2008

Responding to the scarcity of suitable measures of teacher knowledge, this article reports on a novel assessment approach to measuring teacher knowledge of teaching mathematics. The new approach uses teachers' ability to analyze teaching as a proxy for their teaching knowledge. Video clips of classroom instruction, which respondents were asked to analyze in writing, were used as item prompts. Teacher responses were scored along four dimensions: mathematical content, student thinking, alternative teaching strategies, and overall quality of interpretation. A prototype assessment was developed and its reliability and validity were examined. Respondents' scores were found to be reliable. Positive, moderate correlations between teachers' scores on the video-analysis assessment, a criterion measure of mathematical content knowledge for teaching, and expert ratings provide initial evidence for the criterion-related validity of the video-analysis assessment. Results suggest that teachers' ability to analyze teaching might be reflective of their teaching knowledge.
The Rehabilitation Counselor Scale
Authors: Leierer Stephen J. , Strohmer Douglas C. , Blackwell Terry L. , Thompson Richard C. , Donnay David A. C.
Published: February 2008

The vocational interests of rehabilitation counselors were explored by developing an occupational scale for the Strong Interest Inventory, Revised Edition (SII; 2004). A sample of 414 rehabilitation counselors who were satisfied with rehabilitation counseling as their profession completed an experimental version of the SII. Based on these data, the Rehabilitation Counselor Scale (RCS) was developed. In this article, the authors examine data on the characteristics of the scale, differences between males and females on this scale, and differences between privately and publicly employed rehabilitation counselors. Implications for recruitment and selection of new members of the rehabilitation counseling profession are discussed.
The Ticket to Work Program and Beneficiaries With Blindness or Low Vision
Authors: Capella-McDonnall Michele
Published: February 2008

Using Social Security Administration data, the author evaluated the characteristics of beneficiaries who were blind and visually impaired and who assigned their tickets, the characteristics of beneficiaries who assigned their tickets to employment networks (ENs), and preliminary employment outcomes. The characteristics that predicted assignment of a ticket were younger age, higher education level, no additional disability, receipt of social security disability insurance, and African American or White race/ethnicity. The only substantial predictor of assignment of a ticket to an EN was race/ethnicity, with all minority groups more likely to assign to ENs than were White beneficiaries. Differences in employment outcomes based on assignment to an EN versus a state vocational rehabilitation agency were found, with preliminary evidence favoring outcomes for beneficiaries served by ENs.
Empowerment as a Function of Contextual Self-Understanding
Authors: Breeding R. Richard
Published: February 2008

Consumer empowerment in rehabilitation counseling has been conceptualized as a function of informed choice and self-determination and has been linked to the concepts of self-efficacy and locus of control, among other variables. Self-understanding in relation to environmental opportunities represents an important underlying component of such empowerment-related variables. A controlled experiment investigated the effect of work interest profiling in vocational assessment on career decision self-efficacy and work locus of control as indicators of empowered status. Statistical analysis (a) confirmed the absence of significant gains in empowerment-related variables with participants receiving traditional vocational assessment activities and (b) identified significant effects related to career decision self-efficacy for those receiving proactive assessment designed to promote self-understanding in relation to environmental opportunities (i.e., contextual self-understanding). Results suggest proactive vocational assessment, designed to foster contextual self-understanding, offers utility in the promotion of empowerment-related variables in rehabilitation counseling.
Economic Outcome of Employment for Older Participants in Rehabilitation Services Funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration
Authors: Wadsworth John S. , Estrada-Hernandez Noel , Kampfe Charlene M. , Smith S. Mae
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine if persons who were age 65 or older and who participated in vocational rehabilitation programs funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) experienced an increase in earnings from paid employment at the conclusion of services. Preservice and postservice earnings for 9,787 consumers of RSA services who were age 65 or older, had a disability, and had cases closed as rehabilitated (Status 26) or as not rehabilitated (Status 28) in the year 2002 were examined. The authors found that 33.4% of participants had cases closed as not rehabilitated, 34% had cases closed as rehabilitated to unpaid work, and 32.6% had cases closed as rehabilitated to paid employment. Participants who achieved employment at the time of case closure had an average earnings increase from paid work of $4,990 a year.
Relationship of Perceived Barriers to Employment and Return to Work Five Years Later
Authors: Krause James S. , Pickelsimer Elizabeth
Published: February 2008

The authors identified perceived barriers to employment in 1998 among 343 unemployed participants with spinal cord injury and correlated these data with employment status 5 years later. Actively looking for work was associated with the greatest likelihood of employment. Health factors, not disincentives or resources, were the primary barriers to employment at follow-up.
A Multiple-perspectives Construct of the American Global City
Authors: Boschken Herman L.
Published: February 2008

The term `global city' bestows an image of an urban place that is contemporary, international, multicultural, `wired', cosmopolitan, polarising and having geographically boundless power. Nevertheless, the literature fails to produce a common identity for setting the global city apart empirically and in analysing policy issues related to it. This paper argues and tests the proposition that the global city is better described and analysed from a holistic construct of competing perspectives. To do this, it: identifies seven global city dimensions; subjects the dimensions to a principal components analysis; and, uses the resulting composite factor to drive a K-means cluster analysis to differentiate 53 US urbanised areas. The results identify significant clusters that set apart global cities and provide a broadened base for cross-disciplinary comparative urban research.
Informal Cities and the Contestation of Public Space: The Case of Bogotá's Street Vendors, 1988—2003
Authors: Donovan Michael G.
Published: February 2008

The resurgence of informal street trading poses serious challenges for local officials responsible for the maintenance of public space. This article contextualises the tension between public space recuperation and informality, providing a detailed case study of Bogotá, Colombia (population 7.6 million). From 1988 to 2003, Bogotá's mayors implemented one of the most ambitious public space campaigns in Latin America. The `tipping-points' behind Bogotá's transition are illuminated with emphasis on the introduction of free mayoral elections and the enervation of informal vendor unions. Using a cohort panel design, this research also examines the working conditions and occupational hazards faced by vendors both before and after relocation to government-built markets. It reveals how formalised vendors experienced declining income levels, but improved working conditions. The final section examines public policy implications and the extent to which Bogotá's experience follows traditional models of public space planning in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Inward and Upward: Marking Out Social Class Change in London, 1981—2001
Authors: Butler Tim , Hamnett Chris , Ramsden Mark
Published: February 2008

Converting the 2001 census NS-SEC categories back into SEG categories for the 1981 and 1991 censuses, the authors show that there is a continued process of class upgrading occurring within Greater London compared with the rest of England and Wales. Inner London continues to see an increase in the proportion of residents in the higher social classes (particularly in the boroughs that were already gentrified in the centre and west of the centre). In outer London, there has been a process of upwards class change, but this is being led by the intermediate social class groups and is geographically more uneven. The authors conclude that these trends provide evidence for a continued gentrification of and social upgrading in inner London. The most significant finding is that London's gentrification is now being partly driven by the expansion of the `middle' middle classes of lower professional and intermediate non-manual groups.
Residential Experience and Residential Environment Choice over the Life-course
Authors: Feijten Peteke , Hooimeijer Pieter , Mulder Clara H.
Published: February 2008

The study reported in this article answers the question: how does experience with a certain type of residential environment contribute to the explanation of residential environment choice? The issues under investigation are whether residential experience with cities, suburbs and rural areas increases the probability of return migration and whether residential experience increases the probability of moving to other places with the same type of residential environment. The probability of moving to a city, suburb or rural area is investigated by applying multinomial logistic regression on a retrospective dataset of life-courses of more than 3000 Netherlands respondents. The results indicate that city experience and suburb experience only increase the probability of return migration, whereas rural experience also increases the probability of moving to another rural area.
A Tale of Two Concessionaires: A Natural Experiment of Water Privatisation in Metro Manila
Authors: Xun Wu  , Malaluan Nepomuceno A.
Published: February 2008

In February 1997, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and the Manila Water Company, Inc. were awarded concession contracts from Manila's Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and split between them the service areas in Metro Manila. In the years thereafter, the paths taken by the two concessionaires diverged dramatically: Maynilad became bankrupt and was turned over to MWSS, whereas Manila Water has prospered and is now a listed company in the Philippine Stock Exchange. The co-existence of two concessionaires in the same city offers a rare opportunity to study the role of internal factors in the privatisation of urban water systems because the effects of many important external factors, such as political support, regulatory structure and unforeseen events, are effectively controlled. The findings suggest that corporate governance, financial management and operations management of privatised water utilities are among the most important internal factors that determine success of water privatisation in developing countries.
The Continuized Log-Linear Method: An Alternative to the Kernel Method of Continuization in Test Equating
Authors: Tianyou Wang
Published: February 2008

Von Davier, Holland, and Thayer (2004) laid out a five-step framework of test equating that can be applied to various data collection designs and equating methods. In the continuization step, they presented an adjusted Gaussian kernel method that preserves the first two moments. This article proposes an alternative continuization method that directly uses the log-linear function from the smoothing step. This alternative method has the advantages of being simple and direct and producing smoother continuous distributions. When the number of score points is large, it can better preserve the moments. Two real test examples are provided to demonstrate these properties and to compare equating functions based on different methods. The standard error of equating for this method is derived.
Uncertainty orientation in Chinese children: Relations with school and psychological adjustment
Authors: Zhengyan Wang  , Xinyin Chen  , Sorrentino Richard , Szeto Andrew C. H.
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine uncertainty orientation and its relations with school and psychological adjustment in Chinese children. A sample of elementary school children in P.R. China, aged 10 to 12 years, participated in the study. Data concerning uncertainty orientation, academic performance and socio-emotional adjustment were obtained from multiple sources including projective assessments, teacher ratings and self-reports. It was found that children in grade 6 had higher scores on uncertainty orientation than those in grades 4 and 5. Uncertainty orientation was positively associated with school-related competence, academic achievement and self-perceptions of competence, and negatively associated with learning problems and loneliness. The results suggest that uncertainty orientation is an adaptive characteristic in Chinese children.
Establishing an association between a peri-operative perfusion score system (PerfSCORE) and post-operative patient morbidity/mortality during CPB cardiac surgery
Authors: Jegger David , Revelly Jean-Pierre , Horisberger Judith , von Segesser Ludwig K. , Ruchat Patrick
Published: February 2008

Background. To date, there is no quality assurance program that correlates patient outcome to perfusion service provided during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A score was devised, incorporating objective parameters that would reflect the likelihood to influence patient outcome. The purpose was to create a new method for evaluating the quality of care the perfusionist provides during CPB procedures and to deduce whether it predicts patient morbidity and mortality. Methods. We analysed 295 consecutive elective patients. We chose 10 parameters: fluid balance, blood transfused, Hct, ACT, PaO2, PaCO2, pH, BE, potassium and CPB time. Distribution analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilcoxon test. This made up the PerfSCORE and we tried to find a correlation to mortality rate, patient stay in the ICU and length of mechanical ventilation. Univariate analysis (UA) using linear regression was established for each parameter. Statistical significance was established when p < 0.05. Multivariate analysis (MA) was performed with the same parameters. Results. The mean age was 63.8 ± 12.6 years with 70% males. There were 180 CABG, 88 valves, and 27 combined CABG/valve procedures. The PerfSCORE of 6.6 ± 2.4 (0—20), mortality of 2.7% (8/295), CPB time 100 ± 41 min (19—313), ICU stay 52 ± 62hrs (7—564) and mechanical ventilation of 10.5 ± 14,8hrs (0—564) was calculated. CPB time, fluid balance, PaO2, PerfSCORE and blood transfused were significantly correlated to mortality (UA, p < 0.05). Also, CPB time, blood transfused and PaO2 were parameters predicting mortality (MA, p < 0.01). Only pH was significantly correlated for predicting ICU stay (UA). Ultrafiltration (UF) and CPB time were significantly correlated (UA, p < 0.01) while UF ( p < 0.05) was the only parameter predicting mechanical ventilation duration (MA). Conclusions. CPB time, blood transfused and PaO 2 are independent risk factors of mortality. Fluid balance, blood transfusion, PaO2, PerfSCORE and CPB time are independent parameters for predicting morbidity. PerfSCORE is a quality of perfusion measure that objectively quantifies perfusion performance. Perfusion (2007) 22, 311—316.
Thoraco-abdominal aneurysm repair in a Jehovah's Witness: maximising blood conservation
Authors: Rahman I.A. , Hoth T. , Doughty H. , Bonser R.S.
Published: February 2008

Thoraco-abdominal aneurysm repair usually necessitates blood or blood product transfusion which is prohibited in Jehovah's Witnesses. We report the blood conservation strategy used during thoraco-abdominal aneurysm repair in a Jehovah's Witness. This included pre-operative recombinant erythropoietin, per-operative acute normovolaemic haemodilution, cell salvage, aprotinin, restricted heparinisation, left atrial-distal bypass and recombinant factor VIIa. Post-operative haemoglobin levels were maintained, but a left haemothorax necessitated re-thoracotomy on post-operative day 4. Following re-thoracotomy, Hb was 12.0 g.dL—1 and platelet count 49 × 109.L—1. Recombinant erythropoietin was recommenced. At discharge (day 12), Hb was 10.1 g.dL—1. The patient remains well at one year. A thoroughly, pre-planned multi-disciplinary blood conservation strategy can be used to undertake high-risk procedures. Perfusion (2007) 22, 363—364.
180 ml and less: Cardiopulmonary bypass techniques to minimize hemodilution for neonates and small infants
Authors: Charette Kevin , Hirata Yasutaka , Bograd Adam , Mongero Linda , Chen Jonathan , Quaegebeur Jan , Mosca Ralph
Published: February 2008

Objective. To determine the efficacy of decreasing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) prime volume for neonates and small infants by using low prime oxygenators, small diameter polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing and removing the arterial line filter (ALF) in an effort to reduce intraoperative exposure to multiple units of packed red blood cells (PRBC). Methods. Two retrospective database studies comparing neonatal CPB prime volume were undertaken: Study 1 — A CPB circuit consisting of a 1/8 inch arterial line, a 3/16 inch venous line and a low prime oxygenator with 172 ml total circuit prime ( n = 74) was compared to a circuit with a 3/16 inch arterial line, a 1/4 inch venous line and a higher prime oxygenator with a 350 ml total circuit prime ( n = 74). Study 2 — The 172 ml circuit ( n = 389) was compared to a circuit that included an ALF and had a total circuit prime volume of 218 ml ( n = 389). Results. Study 1— of the 74 neonates and small infants whose CPB prime volume was 350 ml, 19 were exposed to two or more intraoperative exogenous PRBC units while only 3 neonates and small infants in the 172 ml prime group ( n = 74) received two or more units ( p = 0.0002). Study 2 — of the 389 neonates and small infants where an ALF was used (prime volume 218 ml), 54 were exposed to two or more exogenous PRBC units while only 36 of the 389 patients where an ALF was not used (prime volume 172 ml) received two or more units of intraoperative PRBCs ( p = 0.0436). Conclusion. Decreasing the neonatal and small infant extracorporeal circuit prime volume by as little as 46 ml resulted in significantly fewer multiple exposures to exogenous PRBC units. Perfusion (2007) 22, 327—331.
Effects of zero-balanced ultrafiltration on procalcitonin and respiratory function after cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Song Lou , Yinglong Liu , Jinping Liu
Published: February 2008

The abnormal conditions to which blood is subjected during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) trigger an activation of the inflammatory response and cause pulmonary dysfunction. It has been suggested that high-volume, zero-balanced ultrafiltration (ZBUF) facilitates clearance of inflammatory mediators and improves post-operative pulmonary function. Procalcitonin, a newly discovered inflammatory mediator, has been found to be increased after CPB and has been proven to be an appropriate parameter for predicting pulmonary dysfunction secondary to CPB. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of zero-balanced ultrafiltration (ZBUF) on procalcitonin (PCT) and respiratory function of infants with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) after CPB. Twenty infants with TOF undergoing open-heart total surgical correction were randomly assigned to two groups. The trial group was given ZBUF (50 ml/kg) and conventional ultrafiltration (CUF), while the control group was given CUF only. Plasma PCT and pulmonary function were monitored and compared between the two groups before the operation (T1), before rewarming (T2), at the end of the operation (T3), and at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after the operation (T4-T6). PCT was decreased in the trial group between 12 h and 48 h post-operatively, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. The trial group's pulmonary compliance was higher at 12 h post-operatively ( p < 0.05). Oxygenation index was increased in the trial group at the end of the operation and 12 h post-operatively ( p > 0.05). Intubation time was shorter in the trial group ( P < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between peak PCT concentration and intubation time. ZBUF appeared to improve ventilation and shorten intubation time. The improved respiratory function may be due to the lower plasma PCT. Perfusion (2007) 22, 339—343.
Emergency operation on the dissected ascending aorta of an adolescent with aortic coarctation
Authors: Bakker E. , Visser C. , Guderian A. , Haenen J. , Breedveld R.
Published: February 2008

This case report describes the successful repair of an acute dissection of the ascending aorta in a 16-year-old girl. The dissection appeared to be related to the presence of an aortic coarctation. Furthermore, a bicuspid aortic valve was found. Echocardiography was helpful for quick pre-operative diagnosis. A computed tomography (CT) scan was used post-operatively to confirm these results. At the onset of extracorporeal circulation, active drainage was applied at the femoral vein by means of a routinely built-in shunt bypassing the venous reservoir. The practical implementation of this shunt is described in this report. One femoral artery and one femoral vein were cannulated, resulting in a blood flow index of 2.2l.min -1.m-2 which proved to be sufficient for blood supply to both the lower and the upper parts of the body. Successful percutaneous dilatation of the coarctation was performed five months after the first operation. Perfusion (2007) 22, 365—367.
A New Approach for Resin Selection in Rotational Molding
Authors: Waigaonkar Sachin , Babu B.J.C. , Durai Prabhakaran R.T.
Published: February 2008

The problem of resin selection for a rotational molding process has been a concern for the molder considering the availability of a number of resins with different properties. In this article, we have explored a multiple attribute-based decision making (MADM) selection procedure based on the technique of order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The procedure has been adapted to rank the different resins, to quantitatively assist a rotomolder to select a proper resin from a long list for a specific application. A case study of material selection for a rotationally-molded automotive fuel tank is used to explain the intricacies involved. The selection is also compared with other graphical methods of decision making.
Parametric Optimization Erosion Wear of Polyester-GF-Alumina Hybrid Composites using the Taguchi Method
Authors: Patnaik Amar , Satapathy Alok , Mahapatra S.S. , Dash R.R.
Published: February 2008

The improved performance of polymer-based hybrid composites in tribological applications has recently been a subject of considerable interest. A hybrid composite consists of the matrix reinforced with both fibers and particulate fillers. Alumina has the potential to be used as filler in such a multi-component system. This article investigates the effect of alumina filling on the erosion wear performance of glass fiber-reinforced polyester composites. For this purpose, an air jet type erosion test configuration and the design of experiment approach utilizing Taguchi's orthogonal arrays are used. Taguchi's design eliminates the need for repeated experiments; thus saving time, materials, and cost. The systematic experimentation leads to identifying significant factors and their interactions that predominantly influence the erosion wear. Pure glass-polyester composite without filler shows greater erosion rate whereas a significant improvement in the erosion resistance is observed with alumina fillers. This may be due to restriction of fiber-matrix debonding. The morphologies of the eroded surface are examined by a scanning electron microscope. Finally, optimal factor settings for minimum wear rate have been determined using genetic algorithm.
First- Versus Continuing-Generation Adult Students On College Perceptions: Are Differences Actually Because of Demographic Variance?
Authors: Giancola Jennifer Kohler , Munz David C. , Trares Shawn
Published: February 2008

The profile of students is changing, with an increase in first-generation and adult students. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in college perceptions between first-generation and continuing-generation adult undergraduates while controlling for demographic variables. The study and hypotheses are grounded in the Model of College Outcomes for Adult Students. It was hypothesized that first-generation students would report higher importance and lower satisfaction scores on the following variables: instructional effectiveness, academic advising, registration effectiveness, campus climate, safety and security, academic services, admissions and financial aid effectiveness, and service excellence. The results revealed that sex (more females) accounted for variance between first- and continuing-generation students on importance. There were no differences regarding satisfaction. With a higher number of female adult and first-generation students, higher education should better examine how to meet these students' needs. Recommendations for future research and practical implications are provided.
Who Slapped That Child?
Authors: Patno Karyn , Jenny Carole
Published: February 2008

In a child abuse case, it is important to determine who abused the child to assure the child's safety. When a child has had more than one caretaker before bruises or injuries are noted, it can be difficult to determine who was responsible. This case report illustrates the successful use of digital photography to help identify the perpetrator of an inflicted slap mark.
Emotion Knowledge in Young Neglected Children
Authors: Sullivan Margaret W. , Bennett David S. , Carpenter Kim , Lewis Michael
Published: February 2008

Young neglected children may be at risk for emotion knowledge deficits. Children with histories of neglect or with no maltreatment were initially seen at age 4 and again 1 year later to assess their emotion knowledge. Higher IQ was associated with better emotion knowledge, but neglected children had consistently poorer emotion knowledge over time compared to non-neglected children after controlling for IQ. Because both neglected status and IQ may contribute to deficits in emotional knowledge, both should be assessed when evaluating these children to appropriately design and pace emotion knowledge interventions.
Research or audit? The benefits and limitations of structured observation of the hand hygiene practice of named staff
Authors: Lee K.E. , Themessl Huber M. , Davidson P.
Published: February 2008

A pilot research study was undertaken on two tertiary care wards to examine factors influencing hand hygiene compliance. This comprised environmental audit and observation of individual staff for two hour periods. Although it was labour intensive, observation proved a valuable tool in highlighting problems in risk assessment. The results show that hand hygiene was performed following a high proportion (59%) of hand hygiene opportunities, but not in accordance with local guidelines, due predominately to choice of inappropriate hand decontamination agent and/or unnecessary use of gloves. These errors in individual decision-making processes about the choice of hand hygiene measures may be the reason why motivational interventions can be ineffective, and they need to be addressed before audit of compliance can be meaningful.
Review Series: Chronic cough: Epidemiology
Authors: Morice AH
Published: February 2008

Chronic cough is perhaps the commonest symptom of medical importance with some 12% of the general population having the symptom on a daily or weekly basis. Chronic cough causes a large degree of morbidity, with both the physical e.g. incontinence, and the psychological e.g. social isolation, domains.

The causes of chronic cough are numerous, but fall into two broad categories; that causing an asthma-like syndrome characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the airways, and oesophageal disease, particularly weakly acid reflux. Failure to make, particularly this latter, diagnosis leads to enormous consequences in terms of loss of employment, healthcare utilisation and a psychosocial morbidity. Chronic Respiratory Disease 2008; 5: 43—47
Quality of life measurements and bronchodilator responsiveness in prescribing nebulizer therapy in COPD
Authors: Brophy C. , Kastelik JA , Gardiner E. , Greenstone MA
Published: February 2008

Nebulized bronchodilators are widely regarded as the optimal treatment for maintenance therapy in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the study was to assess whether detailed physiological, functional and quality of life-related measurements can assist in determining the requirement for nebulized bronchodilator therapy in patients with moderate to severe COPD. This was an unblinded, randomized, crossover study that compared intermediate (120mcg ipratropium bromide and 600mcg of salbutamol using metered dose inhaler (MDI) and spacer) and high dose (nebulized 500 mcg ipratropium bromide and 2.5 mg salbutamol) bronchodilator therapy, on physiological, functional and quality of life-related measurements in patients with COPD. A total of 25 patients (12 female), mean (SD) age 68 (7) years, FEV1 45 (10) % predicted completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatments in the pre- and post-bronchodilator lung function values, six-minute walk distance, breathlessness score or quality of life questionnaires. Fifteen patients preferred bronchodilator therapy with nebulizer and 10 with MDI and spacer. In 20 patients at least one positive response in quality of life score, lung function or six-minute walk, was observed on the preferred treatment.

Only a proportion of patients with moderate or severe COPD prefer nebulized bronchodilator therapy. This study found that none of the parameters singly or in combination were consistently predictive of patients' preference for nebulized bronchodilator therapy. Therefore, we suggest that clinicians institute a trial of stepping up to an intermediate dose of bronchodilators prior to introducing nebulized therapy. Chronic Respiratory Disease 2008; 5: 13—18
Responses of Health and Physical Educators to Overweight Children in Alabama
Authors: Geiger Brian F. , Sims Sandra K. , Evans Retta , Roy Jane , Werner Karen A. , Prier Marilyn , Cochrane Karen , Fulmore Jason S. , Lett Dawson Verdell , Kirkpatrick Smyly , Brown Dan
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the increasing problem of overweight children in Alabama including clinical definition, risk factors, and prevalence data. Health and physical educators should become familiar with guidelines released by national organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Institute of Medicine, and state departments of education and public health. These guidelines provide direction to health promotion program activities in schools, community, and recreational settings aimed at modifying predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors. Four examples are presented in the narrative to illustrate collaborative partnerships among health care organizations, a health insurer, public schools, an academic research university, and state agencies to enhance youth health. The final section provides practical recommendations for professional health and physical educators regarding obesity risk reduction.
Old School Meets New School
Authors: Gause C.P.
Published: February 2008

This article is a case study designed to challenge the beliefs, values, and ideology of graduate students in educational leadership preparation programs regarding social justice and democratic education. This case is designed to assist students in developing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to navigate the micropolitical environments that exist in learning communities. This case navigates the multiple sociocultural and political issues a superintendent might experience regarding demographic and cultural change. The case is multilayered and can be used in courses for the principalship and/or superintendency, as well as courses in the foundations of education and leadership.
A functional 14-3-3ζ–independent association of PI3-kinase with glycoprotein Ibα, the major ligand-binding subunit of the platelet glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex
Authors: Mu Fi-Tjen , Andrews Robert K. , Arthur Jane F. , Munday Adam D. , Cranmer Susan L. , Jackson Shaun P. , Stomski Frank C. , Lopez Angel F. , Berndt Michael C.
Published: February 2008

Engagement of the adhesion receptor glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V by von Willebrand factor (VWF) mediates platelet adhesion to damaged vessels and triggers platelet activation and thrombus formation in heart attack and stroke. GPIb-IX-V contains distinct 14-3-3ζ–binding sites at the GPIbα C-terminus involving phosphorylation of Ser609, an upstream site involving phosphorylated Ser587/Ser590, and a protein kinase A (PKA)–dependent site on GPIbβ involving Ser166. 14-3-3ζ regulates the VWF-binding affinity of GPIb-IX-V and inhibiting 14-3-3ζ association blocks receptor signaling, suggesting a key functional role for 14-3-3ζ. We used deletion mutants of GPIbα expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to define the relationship of 14-3-3ζ binding to another GPIb-IX-V–associated signaling protein, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase). Pull-down experiments involving glutathione S-transferase (GST)–PI3-kinase/p85-subunit and GST–14-3-3ζ indicated that both proteins interacted with contiguous GPIbα sequences 580 to 590/591 to 610. Deleting these, but not upstream sequences of GPIbα expressed in CHO cells, inhibited VWF/ristocetin-dependent Akt phosphorylation, relative to wild-type receptor, confirming this region encompassed a functional PI3-kinase–binding site. Pull-down experiments with GST-p85 truncates indicated the GPIbα-binding region involved the p85 breakpoint cluster region (BCR) domain, containing RSXSXP. However, pull-down of GPIb-IX was unaltered by mutation/deletion/phosphorylation of this potential 14-3-3ζ–binding sequence in mutant constructs of GST-p85, suggesting PI3-kinase bound GPIbα independently of 14-3-3ζ; 14-3-3ζ inhibitor peptide R18 also blocked pull-down of receptor by GST-14-3-3ζ but not GST-p85, and GST-p85 pull-downs were unaffected by excess 14-3-3ζ. Together, these data suggest the GPIbα C-terminus regulates signaling through independent association of 14-3-3ζ and PI3-kinase.
Strategies for measuring evolutionary conservation of RNA secondary structures
Authors: Gruber Andreas R , Bernhart Stephan H , Hofacker Ivo L , Washietl Stefan
Published: February 2008

Background

Evolutionary conservation of RNA secondary structure is a typical feature of many functional non-coding RNAs. Since almost all of the available methods used for prediction and annotation of non-coding RNA genes rely on this evolutionary signature, accurate measures for structural conservation are essential.

Results

We systematically assessed the ability of various measures to detect conserved RNA structures in multiple sequence alignments. We tested three existing and eight novel strategies that are based on metrics of folding energies, metrics of single optimal structure predictions, and metrics of structure ensembles. We find that the folding energy based SCI score used in the RNAz program and a simple base-pair distance metric are by far the most accurate. The use of more complex metrics like for example tree editing does not improve performance. A variant of the SCI performed particularly well on highly conserved alignments and is thus a viable alternative when only little evolutionary information is available. Surprisingly, ensemble based methods that, in principle, could benefit from the additional information contained in sub-optimal structures, perform particularly poorly. As a general trend, we observed that methods that include a consensus structure prediction outperformed equivalent methods that only consider pairwise comparisons.

Conclusion

Structural conservation can be measured accurately with relatively simple and intuitive metrics. They have the potential to form the basis of future RNA gene finders, that face new challenges like finding lineage specific structures or detecting mis-aligned sequences.
Links between core promoter and basic gene features influence gene expression
Authors: Moshonov Sandra , Elfakess Rofa , Golan-Mashiach Michal , Sinvani Hadar , Dikstein Rivka
Published: February 2008

Background

Diversity in rates of gene expression is essential for basic cell functions and is controlled by a variety of intricate mechanisms. Revealing general mechanisms that control gene expression is important for understanding normal and pathological cell functions and for improving the design of expression systems. Here we analyzed the relationship between general features of genes and their contribution to expression levels.

Results

Genes were divided into four groups according to their core promoter type and their characteristics analyzed statistically. Surprisingly we found that small variations in the TATA box are linked to large differences in gene length. Genes containing canonical TATA are generally short whereas long genes are associated with either non-canonical TATA or TATA-less promoters. These differences in gene length are primarily determined by the size and number of introns. Generally, gene expression was found to be tightly correlated with the strength of the TATA-box. However significant reduction in gene expression levels were linked with long TATA-containing genes (canonical and non-canonical) whereas intron length hardly affected the expression of TATA-less genes. Interestingly, features associated with high translation are prevalent in TATA-containing genes suggesting that their protein production is also more efficient.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that interplay between core promoter type and gene size can generate significant diversity in gene expression.
Gene conversion in the rice genome
Authors: Xu Shuqing , Clark Terry , Zheng Hongkun , Vang Søren , Li Ruiqiang , Wong Gane Ka-Shu , Wang Jun , Zheng Xiaoguang
Published: February 2008

Background

Gene conversion causes a non-reciprocal transfer of genetic information between similar sequences. Gene conversion can both homogenize genes and recruit point mutations thereby shaping the evolution of multigene families. In the rice genome, the large number of duplicated genes increases opportunities for gene conversion.

Results

To characterize gene conversion in rice, we have defined 626 multigene families in which 377 gene conversions were detected using the GENECONV program. Over 60% of the conversions we detected were between chromosomes. We found that the inter-chromosomal conversions distributed between chromosome 1 and 5, 2 and 6, and 3 and 5 are more frequent than genome average (Z-test, P < 0.05). The frequencies of gene conversion on the same chromosome decreased with the physical distance between gene conversion partners. Ka/Ks analysis indicates that gene conversion is not tightly linked to natural selection in the rice genome. To assess the contribution of segmental duplication on gene conversion statistics, we determined locations of conversion partners with respect to inter-chromosomal segment duplication. The number of conversions associated with segmentation is less than ten percent. Pseudogenes in the rice genome with low similarity toArabidopsisgenes showed greater likelihood for gene conversion than those with high similarity toArabidopsisgenes. Functional annotations suggest that at least 14 multigene families related to disease or bacteria resistance were involved in conversion events.

Conclusion

The evolution of gene families in the rice genome may have been accelerated by conversion with pseudogenes. Our analysis suggests a possible role for gene conversion in the evolution of pathogen-response genes.