bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Molecule Immunomodulatory Drugs
Authors: Haley Patrick J.
Published: November 2011

As the molecular pathobiology of immunologically based diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, has become clearer, pharmaceutical researchers have responded with highly efficacious and selective biological compounds. In contrast to older, nonspecific small-molecule therapeutics, the exquisite species sensitivity of monoclonal antibodies has introduced new challenges to preclinical safety studies. Repeated exposure of animals to biopharmaceutical compounds tends to be restricted in the species in which these compounds have pharmacological action, and it tends to stimulate antidrug immune responses with acceleration of clearance, thereby limiting the duration of repeat-dose studies and potentially resulting in hypersensitivity reactions. Thus, the safety testing of biopharmaceutical compounds has necessitated the use of relatively short-term studies in rodents, whereas nonhuman primates have become the primary tool for large-animal, repeat-dose studies. However, as the number of highly targeted and efficacious small-molecule immunomodulators rapidly increases, these molecules will be developed in a manner similar to that of other small molecules with regard to safety assessment. Because such approaches inherently push drug levels to achieve maximally tolerated doses, the pharmacologic specificity of these new small-molecule drugs may be lost as they affect additional receptors and pathways. Therefore, toxicologic pathologists must refamiliarize themselves with the consequences of profound immunosuppression in species other than nonhuman primates. The interrelationships of cytokine signaling and receptor biology are complex, highly integrated, and at times paradoxical, and the loss of specificity at high doses may result in unforeseen consequences caused by the impact on complex down-stream pathways that culminate in exaggerated and adverse responses. The species specificity of such responses may not be inherently familiar or anticipated.
Internationalization of biotechnology start-ups: Geographic location and mimetic behaviour
Authors: Delerue Hélène , Lejeune Albert
Published: November 2011

The objective of this article is to understand the extent to which location in a geographic cluster can explain international alliance formation. Geographic clusters are characterized by several dimensions: agglomeration economies, institutional forces and a manager’s mental models create the environment within the cluster. Therefore, to develop the research propositions, which were tested on a sample of US biotechnology start-ups, the study specifically analysed cluster size and firm competitive behaviour within the cluster to explain the propensity of a start-up to engage in new international alliances. It also examined the potential moderating effect of cluster evolution. Results show that merely being located in a geographic cluster in itself does not increase the probability of forming a new international alliance. Within clusters, internationalization of start-ups through alliance formation results mainly from mimetic behaviour.
Entrepreneurial orientation and performance in young firms: The role of human resource management
Authors: Messersmith Jake G. , Wales William J.
Published: November 2011

This article examines the effects of managerial practice and philosophy variables – high-performance work systems (HPWS) and partnership philosophy – on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and sales growth. The results from a sample of 119 young high-technology firms indicate a non-significant relationship between EO and firm growth. However, firms combining HPWS or partnership philosophy with EO realized significantly higher levels of growth. Specifically, the results suggest that the promise of EO as a means of enhancing the growth trajectories of young firms depends on the extent to which these organizations embrace and establish certain human resource practices and philosophies.
Bank competition, lending relationships and firm default risk: An investigation of Italian SMEs
Authors: Agostino Mariarosaria , Gagliardi Francesca , Trivieri Francesco
Published: November 2011

Building on the literature relating to bank market structure and on the research analysing costs and benefits of concentrated credit relationships, this article aims to empirically assess whether, and to what extent, local credit market concentration impacts on SME default riskiness – making this impact conditional on the closeness of lending relationships. Controlling for inertia, unobserved heterogeneity and endogeneity, we find that bank market concentration positively and significantly affects SME default riskiness when these firms borrow heavily from their main bank and have few credit relationships with other intermediaries. Furthermore, according to our evidence, the influence of credit market concentration on firm default probability is greater as the duration of (close) credit relationships lengthens.
Incidence and causes for syringe driver site reactions in palliative care: A prospective hospice-based study
Authors: Mitchell Kath , Pickard Jennie , Herbert Annie , Lightfoot Jenny , Roberts Dai
Published: November 2011

Background

Syringe drivers are routinely used in palliative care for the subcutaneous infusion of drugs for pain and symptom control. Local site reactions occurring at the site of infusion can lead to patient discomfort and the potential for sub-optimal symptom control.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a correlation between drugs administered subcutaneously via a syringe driver and the incidence of syringe driver site reactions, further linking this to time to syringe driver site reaction.

Design:

Prospective quantitative data collection of syringe driver use for 170 hospice inpatients.

Setting/participants:

Specialist palliative care inpatient facility in the UK. Syringe driver recording forms were retrieved from case notes of consecutive patients who received medication via a syringe driver.

Results:

An association between the presence of cyclizine and levomepromazine and the incidence of syringe driver site reactions was identified. A marked difference in incidence of syringe driver site reaction was observed between the two study centres (26.5% vs. 7.7%). Although baseline patient characteristics were comparable, a difference in practice between the centres was identified, i.e. use of parenteral cannulae. An association between the time a syringe driver was in situ and the occurrence of a syringe driver site reaction was also demonstrated.

Conclusions:

Recommendations can be made for the frequency of syringe driver site changes based on which drugs are in use. Incidental findings from the study have been used to change practice at the hospice study site, with regard to choice of parenteral cannulae.
Plastic limit loads for piping branch junctions under out-of-plane bending
Authors: Lee Kuk-Hee , Xu Yinghu , Jeon Jun-Young , Kim Yun-Jae , Budden Peter J
Published: November 2011

This paper presents approximate closed-form plastic limit load solutions for branch junctions under out-of-plane bending and under combined pressure and out-of-plane bending, based on three-dimensional finite element limit analyses for an elastic-perfectly plastic material. When bending is applied to the branch pipe, the plastic limit loads for out-of-plane bending are shown to be lower than those for in-plane bending. However, for bending to the run pipe, the opposite trend is found. For combined pressure and out-of-plane bending, either the circular interaction or the parabolic interaction rule can be used, depending on the bending location and the branch geometry. Comparison with published experimental plastic limit load data shows that the predictions agree relatively well with the test data.
Ventilatory functions in cotton textile workers and the role of some inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Beshir Safia , Mahdy-Abdallah Heba , Saad-Hussein Amal
Published: November 2011

Exposure to cotton dust in industrial environments causes inflammation in the airways of the exposed workers. This may manifest as respiratory complaints and changes in the respiratory functions after work shift and in the baseline of their ventilatory functions. The study aimed to investigate the effect of occupational exposure to cotton dust on respiratory symptoms, ventilatory functions and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6 and interleukin 1β). The study was conducted on 63 textile workers and 65 nonexposed subjects. Both groups were matched for age, socioeconomic status and smoking habit. The respirable dust measured in the workplace did not exceed the permissible values of the Egyptian law 1994. The bacterial counts detected were within the occupational exposure limits of the industrial settings. The results revealed that the percentage of respiratory symptoms was higher in textile workers. Respiratory complaints were chronic cough (33.2%), chronic bronchitis (39.7%) and dyspnea (23.8%) in textile workers compared to (6.2%, 6.2% and 1.5%), respectively, in controls. There was a marked reduction in the ventilatory functions (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s) in the textile workers compared to the controls. The additive effect of smoking on the ventilatory functions was not apparent. The ventilatory functions of the workers were significantly positively correlated with the duration of exposure. The cytokines were insignificantly higher in the textile workers compared to their controls. The textile workers with respiratory complaints showed significant decline in ventilatory functions and elevation in the cytokine levels compared to the nonsymtomatizing workers with significant difference in interleukin 1β and interleukin 6. In conclusion, the results supported the fact that exposure to cotton dust deteriorates ventilatory functions and elevates proinflammatory cytokine levels. Analysis of the release of cytokines can be used to evaluate the immune responses to organic dust-induced airway inflammation.
Thermal gravimetric/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses of oil palm fibre reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Ramli R , Yunus RM , Beg MDH
Published: November 2011

In this study, the effects of fibre loading and coupling agent on the performance of empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre composites of oil palm biomass were investigated. The dried EFB were ground into random sizes for composite production. Ground fibre was compounded with polypropylene (PP) by means of a twin-screw compounder for preparing EFB/PP composites. Maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene was used as a coupling agent. The incorporated fibre contents for EFB composites were 10 wt% to 40 wt% (by weight). The test specimens were prepared by injection moulding. The composites were characterized by melt flow index, mechanical tests such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus and impact strength. Surface morphology was also studied by scanning electron microscope. Bonding/interaction mechanism was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal stability was studied by thermal gravimetric analysis form where the activation energy was calculated for different composites. It was found that both coupling agent and fibre content play an important role in composites properties.
Preparation and properties of agave fiber-reinforced polystyrene composites
Authors: Singha AS , Rana Raj K
Published: November 2011

In the present work, Agave americana fibers have been used as a reinforcement in the preparation of polystyrene matrix-based biocomposites using compression molding technique. The composites thus prepared were subjected to the evaluation of different mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive and flexural strength. The results obtained suggest that composites reinforced with agave fibers exhibited better mechanical properties than neat polystyrene. The morphological and thermal properties of matrix, fibers and composites have also been investigated by scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. Further composites were subjected to the evaluation of physicochemical properties such as swelling behavior in different solvents and resistance to acid, alkali and salt of 1 N strength for different time intervals.
What Do Infants Remember When They Forget? Location and Identity in 6-Month-Olds’ Memory for Objects
Authors: Kibbe Melissa M. , Leslie Alan M.
Published: November 2011

What does an infant remember about a forgotten object? Although at age 6 months, infants can keep track of up to three hidden objects, they can remember the featural identity of only one. When infants forget the identity of an object, do they forget the object entirely, or do they retain an inkling of it? In a looking-time study, we familiarized 6-month-olds with a disk and a triangle placed on opposite sides of a stage. During test trials, we hid the objects one at a time behind different screens, and after hiding the second object, we removed the screen where the first object had been hidden. Infants then saw the expected object, the unexpected other object, or the empty stage. Bayes factor analysis showed that although the infants did not notice when the object changed shape, they were surprised when it vanished. This finding indicates that infants can represent an object without its features.
Selective Attention Warps Spatial Representation
Authors: Liverence Brandon M. , Scholl Brian J.
Published: November 2011

Selective attention not only influences which objects in a display are perceived, but also directly changes the character of how they are perceived—for example, making attended objects appear larger or sharper. In studies of multiple-object tracking and probe detection, we explored the influence of sustained selective attention on where objects are seen to be in relation to each other in dynamic multi-object displays. Surprisingly, we found that sustained attention can warp the representation of space in a way that is object-specific: In immediate recall of the positions of objects that have just disappeared, space between targets is compressed, whereas space between distractors is expanded. These effects suggest that sustained attention can warp spatial representation in unexpected ways.
Evaluation of the automated hematology analyzer Sysmex XT-2000iV™ compared to the ADVIA® 2120 for its use in dogs, cats, and horses
Authors: Bauer Natali , Nakagawa Julia , Dunker Cathrin , Failing Klaus , Moritz Andreas
Published: November 2011

The automated laser-based hematology analyzer Sysmex XT-2000 iV™ providing a complete blood cell count (CBC) and 5-part differential has been introduced in large veterinary laboratories. The aim of the current study was to determine precision, linearity, and accuracy of the Sysmex analyzer. Reference method for the accuracy study was the laser-based hematology analyzer ADVIA® 2120. For evaluation of accuracy, consecutive fresh blood samples from healthy and diseased cats ( n = 216), dogs ( n = 314), and horses ( n = 174) were included. A low intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) of approximately 1% was seen for the CBC except platelet count (PLT). An intra-assay CV ranging between 2% and 5.5% was evident for the differential count except for feline and equine monocytes (7.7%) and horse eosinophils (15.7%). Linearity was excellent for white blood cell count (WBC), hematocrit value, red blood cell count (RBC), and PLT. For all evaluated species, agreement was excellent for WBC and RBC, with Spearman rank correlation coefficients (rs) ranging from >0.99 to 0.98. Hematocrit value correlated excellently in cats and dogs, whereas for horses, a good correlation was evident. A good correlation between both analyzers was seen in feline and equine PLT (rs = 0.89 and 0.92, respectively), whereas correlation was excellent for dogs (rs = 0.93). Biases were close to 0 except for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (4.11 to −7.25 mmol/l) and canine PLT (57 × 109/l). Overall, the performance of the Sysmex analyzer was excellent and compared favorably with the ADVIA analyzer.
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum in a badger (Meles meles)
Authors: Wragg Peter N. , Strugnell Benjamin W. , Whatmore Adrian M. , Foster Geoffrey
Published: November 2011

A 7.5-kg female European badger ( Meles meles) was submitted under the United Kingdom Government’s Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme to the Thirsk Regional Laboratory of the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency. Postmortem examination revealed a large, poorly encapsulated retropharyngeal abscess full of necrotic debris and pus. Arcanobacterium haemolyticum was isolated from the lymph node and confirmed by phenotypic profiling and 16S ribosomal RNA DNA sequencing. Workers should be aware of the potential for badgers to harbor zoonoses other than those more traditionally associated with the species.
Mycoplasmas in Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus): identification and association with abortion
Authors: Lynch Michael , Taylor Trevor K. , Duignan Pádraig J. , Swingler Jane , Marenda Marc , Arnould John P. Y. , Kirkwood Roger
Published: November 2011

Bacteria from the genus Mycoplasma are common inhabitants of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genital tracts of mammals. The understanding of the pathological significance of mycoplasmas in seals is poor, as few studies have utilized the specific culture techniques required to isolate these bacteria. The current study surveyed for the Mycoplasma species present in Australian fur seals ( Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) and investigated the association between infection and pathology. Mycoplasmas were found in the nasal cavities of 55/80 (69%) of apparently healthy individuals. Isolates from 18 individuals were investigated through 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, and 3 species were identified: M. zalophi, M. phocae, and Mycoplasma sp. (GenBank no. EU714238.1), all of which had previously been isolated from Northern Hemisphere pinnipeds. In addition, mycoplasmas were isolated from the lungs of 4 out of 16 juveniles and 1 out of 5 adults sampled at necropsy. Isolates obtained were M. zalophi, Mycoplasma sp. EU714238.1, and M. phocicerebrale, but infection was not associated with lung pathology in these age classes. Inflammatory disease processes of the heart and/or lungs were present in 12 out of 32 (38%) aborted fetuses on microscopic examination. Predominant findings were interstitial pneumonia, pericarditis, and myocarditis. Mycoplasma phocicerebrale was isolated from the thymus of an aborted fetus, and 3 out of 11 (27%) fetuses with inflammatory heart or lung lesions were PCR-positive for Mycoplasma. In conclusion, several species of Mycoplasma are part of the normal flora of the nasal cavity of Australian fur seals, and some mycoplasmas may be associated with abortion in this species of seal.
Involuntary Rural Resettlement
Authors: Wilmsen Brooke , Webber Michael , Duan Yuefang
Published: November 2011

This article analyses the effects of resettlement on farming households in two villages within the area inundated by the Three Gorges Dam, China. The article also proposes a political-economic framework within which to understand the resettlement program and its implications for households. The households brought a variety of resources into the resettlement—land, savings, their labor, social ties, and communal resources—resources that became less during the resettlement process. Apart from extensive borrowing, largely to fund a major investment in new housing, the households’ responses tended to reflect constraints imposed on them by the resettlement rather than their ability to exploit new opportunities. As a consequence, farm incomes fell after resettlement, particularly in the village where more land was lost. The loss of farm income was not made up by increased off-farm income through paid work or self-employment. The households in the two villages have thus become more vulnerable to further external shocks than they were before the resettlement.
Factor Analysis of Five Adult ADHD Self-Report Measures
Authors: Rodriguez P. Dennis , Simon-Dack Stephanie L.
Published: November 2011

Objective: To test the assumption in the research and assessment of ADHD symptoms that self-report scales measure the same underlying cognitive construct and that there is convergent validity among the scales. The present study specifically tested this assumption by analyzing the scores of 616 individuals on five ADHD self-rating scales using principal components analysis. Method: Participants completed five self-report scales widely used in the clinical and research communities: the CSS, the BADDS, the CAARS, the AADDES, and the WURS. Results: Results show that while all scales were highly correlated and loaded onto a single factor solution, the WURS was differentiated from the other four scales best seen through a two factor solution. Therefore, the WURS may also measure other mental and emotional constructs independent from ADHD. Furthermore, participants that reported a previous diagnosis of ADHD scored significantly higher on all measures than those who did not. Conclusion: Since these scales are in strong agreement with one another in diagnosing ADHD, assessment becomes an issue of which scale is the least time-consuming and most pragmatic for the evaluator to use.
The Generational Effects of Fiscal Policy in a Small Open Economy
Authors: Glomm Gerhard , Rioja Felix
Published: November 2011

The reform of the fiscal system has for many years occupied center stage in policy discussions in developing countries. The authors employ a simple overlapping generations (OLG) model in a small open economy setting to study the impact of fiscal policy reform on the welfare of various generations and on the country’s growth rate. The authors find that while reallocating public expenditures from transfers to productive expenditures has sizable positive growth effects, individuals who are retired at the time of the policy change experience a welfare loss. However, younger generations experience larger welfare gains. The authors also find that running a public debt to finance transfer payments can decrease growth substantially and only slightly increase welfare of retirees. However, if debt is used to finance education expenditures or infrastructure investment, growth and welfare increase but only in the short run.
Effects of 3 weeks’ whole body vibration training on muscle strength and functional mobility in hospitalized persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Claerbout Marieke , Gebara Benoit , Ilsbroukx Stefan , Verschueren Sabine , Peers Koen , Van Asch Paul , Feys Peter
Published: November 2011

Background: Exercise therapy in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) is effective for improving muscle strength and functional mobility.

Objective: To investigate, in MS patients attending an in-patient rehabilitation program, the additional effects of a 3-week exercise program, performed on a whole body vibration platform, on muscle strength and functionality.

Methods: Median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of participating patients was 5.5. This randomized controlled trial differentiated a MS control group (n = 17) and two exercise groups performing exercises on a vibration platform (WBV-full group, n = 20) and on the platform additionally covered by a damping mat (WBV-light group, n = 18). Exercise groups performed, during 10 training sessions, six static and dynamic exercises standing on a platform vibrating at high frequency and low amplitude. Isometric muscle strength of quadriceps, hamstrings, tibialis anterior and gluteus medius was measured with a hand-held dynamometer. Functional mobility was measured with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 3-minute walk test and Timed Get up and Go test.

Results: Eight drop-outs occurred in the exercise groups (WBV-full = 4, WBV-light = 4), but were unrelated to WBV as type of intervention. Across groups, significant time effects were found for all muscle groups. For maximal quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength, interaction effects were found with post-hoc tests indicating exercise group-significant improvements in the WBV-full group only. Significant time effects were found for all functional tests. Improvements on the BBS and 3-minute walk test were larger in training than in control groups, but no significant interactions were found.

Conclusions: A 3-week exercise program on a vibration plate significantly improved muscle strength, but not functionality, in persons with MS.
A Method for Including Moisture Safety in the Building Process
Authors: Mjörnell Kristina , Arfvidsson Jesper , Sikander Eva
Published: November 2011

Many buildings, both new and old, suffer from moisture-related problems, with negative consequences on health, costs for rebuilding and lost confidence in the building industry. These problems could have been avoided if moisture issues had been focused on and dealt with throughout the building process. A method for including moisture safety in the building process has therefore been developed. The purpose of the method is to help all those involved to work with moisture safety activities and to document them in a structured way. The method includes a number of routines, templates and checklists for clients to formulate requirements for moisture safety and to follow up and document the measures employed by different participants. There are also tools for architects and design engineers, such as lists of references to literature, check lists and design examples to use for dry building design. For contractors, a number of routines have been developed for moisture control during construction. The method has been applied to a number of building projects. Based on experience from these projects, the method and the tools have been evaluated and revised. This paper presents the validated method and some associated tools that can be used in the building process.
Surveillance history and the history of new media: An evidential paradigm
Authors: Lauer Josh
Published: November 2011

New media are often addressed within the growing field of surveillance studies, but technologies predating the late twentieth century are rarely considered. This essay challenges conventional histories of modern surveillance by highlighting the cultural impact of three ‘old’ new media: photography, the phonograph, and the telephone. Drawing upon the work of historian Carlo Ginzburg (1990) , I argue that new media produce new evidence and that late nineteenth-century media contributed to an emergent ‘evidential paradigm’. From this perspective, the intensification of contemporary surveillance can be seen as an elaboration of late nineteenth-century new media and the proliferation of evidence-producing communication technologies.
Notes on Newton–Euler formulation of robotic manipulators
Authors: Giacaglia G E O , de Queiroz Lamas W
Published: November 2011

The equations corresponding to Newton–Euler iterative method for the determination of forces and moments acting on the rigid links of a robotic manipulator are given a new treatment using composed vectors for the representation of both kinematical and dynamical quantities. It is shown that Lagrange equations for the motion of a holonomic system are easily found from the composed vectors defined in this note. Application to a simple model of an industrial robot shows that the method developed in these notes is efficient in solving the dynamics of a robotic manipulator. An example is developed, where it is seen that with the application of appropriate control moments applied to each arm of the robot, starting from a given initial position, it is possible to reach equilibrium in a final pre-assigned position.
A Life—and Death—in the Classroom
Authors: Smajda Jon
Published: November 2011

An interview with sociologist Monte Bute, who used his own experience confronting a terminal cancer diagnosis as a learning experience for his students. Bute talks about the fundamentally social nature of death and dying, as well as other topics including public sociology.
Muslim Female Athletes and the Hijab
Authors: Harkness Geoff , Islam Samira
Published: November 2011

A revival of the hijab and an embrace of sport among young Muslim women around the world has created a contested space: their heads. Women, negotiating the rules of their teams and leagues, along with their own religious devotion, must make choices about participating—and dressing—for athletics.
Book Review: Socialism and Neoliberalism in Chávez’s Venezuela
Authors: Smilde David
Published: November 2011

Since 2004, Hugo Chavez’s government has put resources into creating citizen support through cooperatives, councils, community media, and other participatory initiatives. But, as Sujatha Fernandes writes in Who Can Stop the Drums?, this support comes with strings attached.
A Framework for Mixing Methods in Quantitative Measurement Development, Validation, and Revision
Authors: Luyt Russell
Published: November 2011

A framework for quantitative measurement development, validation, and revision that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methods is introduced. It extends and adapts Adcock and Collier’s work, and thus, facilitates understanding of quantitative measurement development, validation, and revision as an integrated and cyclical set of procedures best achieved through mixed methods research. It also offers a systematic guide concerning how these procedures may be undertaken through detailing key “stages,” “levels,” and practical “tasks.” A case study illustrates how qualitative and quantitative methods may be mixed through the use of the proposed framework in the cross-cultural content- and construct-related validation and subsequent revision of a quantitative measure. The contribution of this article to mixed methods research literature is briefly discussed.
The attachment of intrinsic and extrinsic, mobilized and immobilized adhesion cells to collagen and fibronectin
Authors: Branford O. A. , Lee D. A. , Rolfe K. J. , Grobbelaar A. O.
Published: November 2011

This study investigated the attachment of intrinsic and extrinsic, mobilized and immobilized adhesion cells to the extracellular matrix. Five New Zealand White rabbit forepaws were dissected to isolate the flexor tendon core, tendon surface and synovial sheath, which were explanted separately. A further 10 animals were subjected to flexor tendon injuries, randomized to either mobilization or immobilization, and adhesions were explanted at 2 weeks. Cell groups were tested for attachment to collagen type-I or fibronectin and morphometric analysis was made. The attachment of intrinsic tendon cells and adhesion cells from mobilized tendons to both matrix proteins was statistically significantly greater than that of extrinsic tendon cells and adhesion cells from immobilized tendons. Adhesion cells from mobilized tendons were statistically significantly more elongated, which may correlate with the deposition of a more organized matrix. Because the synovial sheath cells were least attached to matrix proteins, selective treatments that reduce cell attachment may be used to exclude them, without inhibiting intrinsic tendon healing.
Laser direct joining of carbon fibre reinforced plastic to stainless steel
Authors: Jung K W , Kawahito Y , Katayama S
Published: November 2011

This study was performed to evaluate the characteristics and strengths of dissimilar joints between carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) and stainless steel using high brightness continuous wave disc laser. Tensile shear tests demonstrated that strong CFRP steel joint with ∼4800 N could be produced. The joints were tightly bonded on atomic or molecular sized level through Cr–Fe oxide film on the metal surface, and small fragments of type 304 steel were detected on the fractured CFRP. Many bubbles of submillimetre size were formed all over the plastic melted zone in the CFRP. The gas compositions inside the bubbles were H2 and hydrocarbon series as pyrolysis gases of the CFRP as well as N2 in air. These results suggest strong chemical and physical bonding of the CFRP on the oxide film of the type 304 plate. Consequently, it was confirmed that a strong joint could be produced between CFRP and type 304 stainless steel with a laser beam.
Metallurgical analysis of magnetic pulse welds of AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Berlin A , Nguyen TC , Worswick MJ , Zhou Y
Published: November 2011

Magnesium AZ31 sheets have been lap welded with magnetic pulse welding using H shaped symmetric coils connected to a Pulsar MPW-25 capacitor bank. The joints displayed an increasing trend in strength with discharge energy. The weld morphology consisted of twin bond zones separated by an unbonded centre zone. Metallographic examination of the unbonded centre zone revealed anisotropic deformation and a lack cleaning from the interface. This zone forms as a result of normal impact in the initial stage of collision. Transmission electron microscopy of the bond zone revealed a continuous interface having an 8–25 μm thick interlayer with dislocation cell structure and distinct boundaries with adjacent material. The interlayer may have formed in a semisolid state at elevated temperature. The interlayer corresponds to a ductile fracture surface and is responsible for the joint's high strength. Nanoscale grains were found beside the interlayer as well as larger, highly elongated grains.
ARHGAP25, a novel Rac GTPase-activating protein, regulates phagocytosis in human neutrophilic granulocytes
Authors: Csépányi-Kömi Roland , Sirokmány Gábor , Geiszt Miklós , Ligeti Erzsébet
Published: November 2011

Members of the Rac/Rho family of small GTPases play an essential role in phagocytic cells in organization of the actin cytoskeleton and production of toxic oxygen compounds. GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) decrease the amount of the GTP-bound active form of small GTPases, and contribute to the control of biologic signals. The number of potential Rac/RhoGAPs largely exceeds the number of Rac/Rho GTPases and the expression profile, and their specific role in different cell types is largely unknown. In this study, we report for the first time the properties of full-length ARHGAP25 protein, and show that it is specifically expressed in hematopoietic cells, and acts as a RacGAP both in vitro and in vivo. By silencing and overexpressing the protein in neutrophil model cell lines (PLB-985 and CosPhoxFcγR, respectively) and in primary macrophages, we demonstrate that ARHGAP25 is a negative regulator of phagocytosis acting probably via modulation of the actin cytoskeleton.
Hematopoietic stem cell engineering at a crossroads
Authors: Rivière Isabelle , Dunbar Cynthia E. , Sadelain Michel
Published: November 2011

The genetic engineering of hematopoietic stem cells is the basis for potentially treating a large array of hereditary and acquired diseases, and stands as the paradigm for stem cell engineering in general. Recent clinical reports support the formidable promise of this approach but also highlight the limitations of the technologies used to date, which have on occasion resulted in clonal expansion, myelodysplasia, or leukemogenesis. New research directions, predicated on improved vector designs, targeted gene delivery or the therapeutic use of pluripotent stem cells, herald the advent of safer and more effective hematopoietic stem cell therapies that may transform medical practice. In this review, we place these recent advances in perspective, emphasizing the solutions emerging from a wave of new technologies and highlighting the challenges that lie ahead.
Lama1 mutations lead to vitreoretinal blood vessel formation, persistence of fetal vasculature, and epiretinal membrane formation in mice
Authors: Edwards Malia M , McLeod D Scott , Grebe Rhonda , Heng Céline , Lefebvre Olivier , Lutty Gerard A
Published: November 2011

Background

Valuable insights into the complex process of retinal vascular development can be gained using models with abnormal retinal vasculature. Two such models are the recently described mouse lines with mutations in Lama1, an important component of the retinal internal limiting membrane (ILM). These mutants have a persistence of the fetal vasculature of vitreous (FVV) but lack a primary retinal vascular plexus. The present study provides a detailed analysis of astrocyte and vascular development in these Lama1 mutants.

Results

Although astrocytes and blood vessels initially migrate into Lama1 mutant retinas, both traverse the peripapillary ILM into the vitreous by P3. Once in the vitreous, blood vessels anastomose with vessels of the vasa hyaloidea propria, part of the FVV, and eventually re-enter the retina where they dive to form the inner and outer retinal capillary networks. Astrocytes continue proliferating within the vitreous to form a dense mesh that resembles epiretinal membranes associated with persistent fetal vasculature and proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Conclusions

Lama1 and a fully intact ILM are required for normal retinal vascular development. Mutations in Lama1 allow developing retinal vessels to enter the vitreous where they anastomose with vessels of the hyaloid system which persist and expand. Together, these vessels branch into the retina to form fairly normal inner retinal vascular capillary plexi. The Lama1 mutants described in this report are potential models for studying the human conditions persistent fetal vasculature and proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
Protein composition of interband regions in polytene and cell line chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Demakov Sergey A , Yu Vatolina Tatyana , Babenko Vladimir N , Semeshin Valery F , Belyaeva Elena S , Zhimulev Igor F
Published: November 2011

Background

Despite many efforts, little is known about distribution and interactions of chromatin proteins which contribute to the specificity of chromomeric organization of interphase chromosomes. To address this issue, we used publicly available datasets from several recent Drosophila genome-wide mapping and annotation projects, in particular, those from modENCODE project, and compared molecular organization of 13 interband regions which were accurately mapped previously.

Results

Here we demonstrate that in interphase chromosomes ofDrosophilacell lines, the interband regions are enriched for a specific set of proteins generally characteristic of the "open" chromatin (RNA polymerase II, CHRIZ (CHRO), BEAF-32, BRE1, dMI-2, GAF, NURF301, WDS and TRX). These regions also display reduced nucleosome density, histone H1 depletion and pronounced enrichment for ORC2, a pre-replication complex component. Within the 13 interband regions analyzed, most were around 3-4 kb long, particularly those where many of said protein features were present. We estimate there are about 3500 regions with similar properties in chromosomes ofD. melanogastercell lines, which fits quite well the number of cytologically observed interbands in salivary gland polytene chromosomes.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest strikingly similar organization of interband chromatin in polytene chromosomes and in chromosomes from cell lines thereby reflecting the existence of a universal principle of interphase chromosome organization.
Small interfering RNA targeting mcl-1 enhances proteasome inhibitor-induced apoptosis in various solid malignant tumors
Authors: Zhou Wei , Hu Jingzi , Tang Haimei , Wang Da , Huang Xuefeng , He Chao , Zhu Hongbo
Published: November 2011

Background

Targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is a promising approach for anticancer strategies. Recently, we found Bik accumulation in cancer cell lines after they were treated with bortezomib. However, recent evidence indicates that proteasome inhibitors may also induce the accumulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members. The current study was designed to analyze the levels of several anti-apoptotic members of Bcl-2 family in different human cancer cell lines after they were treated with proteasome inhibitors.

Methods

Different human cancer cell lines were treated with proteasome inhibitors. Western blot were used to investigate the expression of Mcl-1 and activation of mitochondrial apoptotic signaling. Cell viability was investigated using SRB assay, and induction of apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry.

Results

We found elevated Mcl-1 level in human colon cancer cell lines DLD1, LOVO, SW620, and HCT116; human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3; and human lung cancer cell line H1299, but not in human breast cancer cell line MCF7 after they were treated with bortezomib. This dramatic Mcl-1 accumulation was also observed when cells were treated with other two proteasome inhibitors, MG132 and calpain inhibitor I (ALLN). Moreover, our results showed Mcl-1 accumulation was caused by stabilization of the protein against degradation. Reducing Mcl-1 accumulation by Mcl-1 siRNA reduced Mcl-1 accumulation and enhanced proteasome inhibitor-induced cell death and apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase.

Conclusions

Our results showed that it was not only Bik but also Mcl-1 accumulation during the treatment of proteasome inhibitors, and combining proteasome inhibitors with Mcl-1 siRNA would enhance the ultimate anticancer effect suggesting this combination might be a more effective strategy for cancer therapy.
Severe inflammatory reaction induced by peritoneal trauma is the key driving mechanism of postoperative adhesion formation
Authors: Pismensky Sergei V , Kalzhanov Zhomart R , Eliseeva Marina Yu , Kosmas Ioannis P , Mynbaev Ospan A
Published: November 2011

Background

Many factors have been put forward as a driving mechanism of surgery-triggered adhesion formation (AF). In this study, we underline the key role of specific surgical trauma related with open surgery (OS) and laparoscopic (LS) conditions in postoperative AF and we aimed to study peritoneal tissue inflammatory reaction (TIR), remodelling specific complications of open surgery (OS) versus LS and subsequently evaluating AF induced by these conditions.

Methods

A prospective randomized study was done in 80 anaesthetised female Wistar rats divided equally into 2 groups. Specific traumatic OS conditions were induced by midline incision line (MIL) extension and tissue drying and specific LS conditions were remodelled by intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation at the 10 cm of water. TIR was evaluated at the 24th, 72nd, 120th and 168th hour by scoring scale. Statistical analysis was performed by the non-parametric t test and two-way ANOVA using Bonferroni post-tests.

Results

More pronounced residual TIR was registered after OS than after LS. There were no significant TIR interactions though highly significant differences were observed between the OS and LS groups (p < 0.0001) with regard to surgical and time factors. The TIR change differences between the OS and LS groups were pronounced with postoperative time p < 0.05 at the 24th and 72nd; p < 0.01 - 120th and p < 0.001 - 168th hrs. Adhesion free wounds were observed in 20.0 and 31.0% of cases after creation of OS and LS conditions respectively; with no significant differences between these values (p > 0.05). However larger adhesion size (41.67 ± 33.63) was observed after OS in comparison with LS (20.31 ± 16.38). The upper-lower 95% confidential limits ranged from 60.29 to 23.04 and from 29.04 to 11.59 respectively after OS and LS groups with significant differences (p = 0.03). Analogous changes were observed in adhesion severity values. Subsequently, severe TIR parameters were followed by larger sizes of severe postoperative adhesions in the OS group than those observed in the LS group.

Conclusions

MIL extension and tissue drying seem to be the key factors in the pathogenesis of adhesion formation, triggering severe inflammatory reactions of the peritoneal tissue surrounding the MIL resulting in local and systemic consequences. CO2 insufflation however, led to moderate inflammation and less adhesion formation.
Baropodometry on women suffering from chronic pelvic pain - a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kaercher Carolina W , Genro Vanessa K , Souza Carlos A , Alfonsin Mariane , Berton Greice , Cunha Filho João S
Published: November 2011

Background

Previous studies have associated chronic pelvic pain with a stereotyped pattern of movement and posture, lack of normal body sensations, a characteristic pain distribution. We aimed at evaluating if these postural changes are detectable in baropodometry results in patients with chronic pelvic pain.

Methods

We performed a prospective study in a university hospital. We selected 32 patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain (study group) and 30 women without this pathology (regular gynecological work out - control group). Pain scores and baropodometric analysis were performed.

Results

As expected, study group presented higher pain scores than control group. Study and control groups presented similar averages for the maximum pressures to the left and right soles as well as soles supports in the forefeet and hind feet. Women suffering from chronic pelvic pain did not present differences in baropodometric analysis when compared to healthy controls.

Conclusions

This data demonstrates that postural abnormalities resulting from CPP could not be demonstrated by baropodometric evaluation. Other postural measures should be addressed to evaluate pelvic pain patients.