bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Do Crystals Form and Grow in Glass‐Forming Liquids: Ostwald's Rule of Stages and Beyond
Authors: Schmelzer Jürn W. P. , Fokin Vladimir M. , Abyzov Alexander S. , Zanotto Edgar D. , Gutzow Ivan
Published: February 2010

More than 100 years ago, W. Ostwald formulated his rule of stages. He predicted that phase formation processes in complex systems proceed via a discrete series of metastable states, which can be formed in a macroscopic form at the given thermodynamic conditions, until finally the most stable phase will be reached. We show here that in segregation and crystallization processes in multicomponent solutions, critical clusters may be formed and evolve via a continuous sequence of states with properties that may differ from the properties of the corresponding macroscopic phases of the equilibrium phase diagram. The pathways of nucleation resemble hereby a scenario similar to spinodal decomposition, that is, the process proceeds via a continuous amplification of density and/or composition differences, which are eventually accompanied by sequential discrete changes of the structure of the system. This way of analysis restores the ability of the classical nucleation theory—modified in the described proper way—to describe crystal nucleation in super‐cooled liquids not only qualitatively but even in a quantitatively correct way.
Glass in Architecture
Authors: Arbab Mehran , Finley James J.
Published: February 2010

Flat glass admits natural daylight, provides unique design options, and improves the quality of indoor life. For these reasons as well as the technical advances in its production and large area coating technologies, glass produced by the float process has become a distinct and pervasive building material in modern architecture. Esthetic choices reflect the unique design concept of the architect; on the other hand, the energy performance of the window glass, which is well understood and measurable, allows the builder to identify the optimum product for different regional climates. This article will review the state of art in flat glass and coated glass technology and will discuss the esthetic and optical characteristics of commercial glasses. It will also provide a phenomenological account of heat transfer across glazings. Finally, several recent trends in architectural glass technology will be presented.
Durable Glass for Thousands of Years
Authors: Jantzen Carol M. , Brown Kevin G. , Pickett John B.
Published: February 2010

The durability of natural glasses on geological time scales and ancient glasses for thousands of years is well documented. The necessity to predict the durability of high‐level nuclear waste (HLW) glasses on extended time scales has led to various thermodynamic and kinetic approaches. Advances in the measurement of medium‐range order in glasses has led to the understanding that the molecular structure of a glass, and thus the glass composition, controls the glass durability by establishing the distribution of ion exchange sites, hydrolysis sites, and the access of water to those sites. During the early stages of glass dissolution, a “gel” layer resembling a membrane forms through which ions exchange between the glass and the leachant. The hydrated gel layer exhibits acid/base properties, which are manifested as the pH dependence of the thickness and nature of the gel layer. The gel layer ages into clay or zeolite minerals by Ostwald ripening. Zeolite mineral assemblages (higher pH and Al3+rich glasses) may cause the dissolution rate to increase, which is undesirable for long‐term performance of glass in the environment. Thermodynamic and structural approaches to the prediction of glass durability are compared versus Ostwald ripening.
Exact analytical formula for a fifth virial coefficient of a hard-sphere mixture at infinite dilution for small diameter ratios
Authors: Labík Stanislav
Published: February 2010

A new exact analytical formula for the fifth partial virial coefficient, B5[1], of the additive hard-sphere mixture (i.e., for four spheres having diameters of σ1 and one sphere having a diameter of σ2), for small diameter ratios (s = σ2/σ1), is derived. The derivation method is based on simple geometrical arguments and uses as the only input three first terms in the density expansion of the radial distribution function.
MicroRNA-21 is upregulated during the proliferative phase of liver regeneration, targetsPellino-1, and inhibits NF-κB signaling
Authors: Marquez Rebecca T. , Wendlandt Erik , Galle Courtney Searcey , Keck Kathy , McCaffrey Anton P.
Published: February 2010

During liver regeneration, normally quiescent liver cells reenter the cell cycle, nonparenchymal and parenchymal cells divide, and proper liver architecture is restored. The gene expression programs regulating these transitions are not completely understood. MicroRNAs are a newly discovered class of small regulatory RNAs that silence messenger RNAs by binding to their 3′-untranslated regions (UTRs). A number of microRNAs, including miR-21, have been shown to be involved in regulation of cell proliferation. We performed partial hepatectomies on mice and allowed the liver to regenerate for 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h and 4 and 7 days. We compared the expression of miR-21 in the posthepatectomy liver to the prehepatectomy liver by Northern blot and found that miR-21 was upregulated during the early stages of liver regeneration. NF-κB signaling is also activated very early during liver regeneration. It has been previously reported that NF-κB upregulates the miR-21 precursor transcript. The predicted miR-21 target, Pellino ( Peli1), is a ubiquitin ligase involved in activating NF-κB signaling. We observed an inverse correlation between miR-21 and Peli1 mRNA levels during liver regeneration. miR-21 overexpression in cultured cells inhibited a Peli1 3′-UTR luciferase reporter. Using NF-κB reporter assays, we determined that miR-21 overexpression inhibits NF-κB signaling. In conclusion, miR-21 expression was upregulated during early stages of liver regeneration. Targeting of Peli1 by miR-21 could potentially provide the basis for a negative feedback cycle regulating NF-κB signaling.
Upper esophageal sphincter during transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation: effects of reflux content and posture
Authors: Babaei Arash , Bhargava Valmik , Mittal Ravinder K.
Published: February 2010

Although some studies show that the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) contracts during transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR), others show that it relaxes. We hypothesized that the posture of the subject and constituents of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) may determine the type of UES response during the TLESR. High-resolution manometry and esophageal pH/impedance recording were performed in 10 healthy volunteers in the right recumbent (1 h) and upright (1 h) positions following the ingestion of a 1,000-Kcal meal. The UES pressure response during TLESR and constituents of GER (liquid, air, and pH) were determined. 109 TLESRs (58 upright and 51 recumbent) were analyzed. The majority of TLESRs were associated with GER (91% upright and 88% recumbent) events. UES relaxation was the predominant response during upright position (81% of TLESRs), and it was characteristically associated with presence of air in the reflux (92%). On the other hand, UES contraction was the predominant response during recumbent position (82% of TLESRs), and it was mainly associated with liquid reflux (71%). The rate of esophageal pressure increase (dP/d t) during the GER, but not the pH, had major influence on the type of UES response during TLESR. The dP/d t during air reflux (127 ± 39 mmHg/s) was significantly higher than liquid reflux (31 ± 6 mmHg/s, P < 0.0001). We concluded that the nature of UES response during TLESR, relaxation or contraction, is related to the posture and the constituents of GER. We propose that the rapid rate of esophageal pressure increase associated with air reflux determines the UES relaxation response to GER.
A real-time device for converting Doppler ultrasound audio signals into fluid flow velocity
Authors: Herr Michael D. , Hogeman Cynthia S. , Koch Dennis W. , Krishnan Anandi , Momen Afsana , Leuenberger Urs A.
Published: February 2010

A Doppler signal converter has been developed to facilitate cardiovascular and exercise physiology research. This device directly converts audio signals from a clinical Doppler ultrasound imaging system into a real-time analog signal that accurately represents blood flow velocity and is easily recorded by any standard data acquisition system. This real-time flow velocity signal, when simultaneously recorded with other physiological signals of interest, permits the observation of transient flow response to experimental interventions in a manner not possible when using standard Doppler imaging devices. This converted flow velocity signal also permits a more robust and less subjective analysis of data in a fraction of the time required by previous analytic methods. This signal converter provides this capability inexpensively and requires no modification of either the imaging or data acquisition system.
Mice deficient in Mkp-1 develop more severe pulmonary hypertension and greater lung protein levels of arginase in response to chronic hypoxia
Authors: Jin Yi , Calvert Thomas J. , Chen Bernadette , Chicoine Louis G. , Joshi Mandar , Bauer John Anthony , Liu Yusen , Nelin Leif D.
Published: February 2010

The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are involved in cellular responses to many stimuli, including hypoxia. MAP kinase signaling is regulated by a family of phosphatases that include MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1). We hypothesized that mice lacking the Mkp-1 gene would have exaggerated chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Wild-type (WT) and Mkp-1−/− mice were exposed to either 4 wk of normoxia or hypobaric hypoxia. Following chronic hypoxia, both genotypes demonstrated elevated right ventricular pressures, right ventricular hypertrophy as demonstrated by the ratio of the right ventricle to the left ventricle plus septum weights [RV(LV + S)], and greater vascular remodeling. However, the right ventricular systolic pressures, the RV/(LV + S), and the medial wall thickness of 100- to 300-μm vessels was significantly greater in the Mkp-1−/− mice than in the WT mice following 4 wk of hypobaric hypoxia. Chronic hypoxic exposure caused no detectable change in eNOS protein levels in the lungs in either genotype; however, Mkp-1−/− mice had lower levels of eNOS protein and lower lung NO production than did WT mice. No iNOS protein was detected in the lungs by Western blotting in any condition in either genotype. Both arginase I and arginase II protein levels were greater in the lungs of hypoxic Mkp-1−/− mice than those in hypoxic WT mice. Lung levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen were greater in hypoxic Mkp-1−/− than in hypoxic WT mice. These data are consistent with the concept that MKP-1 acts to restrain hypoxia-induced arginase expression and thereby reduces vascular remodeling and the severity of pulmonary hypertension.
Depressive behavior and vascular dysfunction: a link between clinical depression and vascular disease?
Authors: d'Audiffret Alexandre C. , Frisbee Stephanie J. , Stapleton Phoebe A. , Goodwill Adam G. , Isingrini Elsa , Frisbee Jefferson C.
Published: February 2010

As chronic stress and depression have become recognized as significant risk factors for peripheral vascular disease in patients with no prior history of vasculopathy, we interrogated this relationship utilizing an established mouse model of chronic stress/depressive symptoms from behavioral research. Male mice were exposed to 8 wk of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS; e.g., wet bedding, predator sound/smell, random disruption of light/dark cycle), with indexes of depressive behavior (coat status, grooming, and mobility) becoming exacerbated vs. controls. In vascular rings, constrictor (phenylephrine) and endothelium-independent dilator (sodium nitroprusside) responses were not different between groups, although endothelium-dependent dilation (methacholine) was attenuated with UCMS. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition was without effect in UCMS but nearly abolished reactivity in controls, while cyclooxygenase inhibition blunted dilation in both. Combined blockade abolished reactivity in controls, although a significant dilation remained in UCMS that was abolished by catalase. Arterial NO production was attenuated by UCMS, although H2O2 production was increased. UCMS mice demonstrated an increased, although variable, insulin resistance and inflammation. However, while UCMS-induced vascular impairments were consistent, the predictive power of aggregate plasma levels of insulin, TNF-α, IL-1β, and C-reactive peptide were limited. However, when separated into tertiles with regard to vascular outcomes, insulin resistance and hypertension were predictive of the most severe vascular impairments. Taken together, these data suggest that aggregate insulin resistance, inflammation, and hypertension in UCMS mice are not robust predictors of vascular dysfunction, suggesting that unidentified mechanisms may be superior predictors of poor vascular outcomes in this model.
CD40L induces inflammation and adipogenesis in adipose cells – a potential link between metabolic and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Platzer Isabel , Ernst Sandra , Walter Carina , Rudolf Philipp , Zirlik Katja , Köstlin Natascha , Willecke Florian , Münkel Christian , Schönbeck Uwe , Libby Peter , Bode Christoph , Missiou Anna , Wolf Dennis , Varo Nerea , Zirlik Andreas
Published: February 2010

CD40L figures prominently in atherogenesis. Recent data demonstrate elevated levels of sCD40L in the serum of patients with the metabolic syndrome (MS). This study investigated the role of CD40L in pro-inflammatory gene expression and cellular differentiation in adipose tissue to obtain insight into mechanisms linking the MS with atherosclerosis. Human adipocytes and preadipocytes expressed CD40 but not CD40L. Stimulation with recombinant CD40L or membranes over-expressing CD40L induced a time- and dose-dependent expression of IL-6, MCP-1, IL-8, and PAI-1. Supernatants of CD40L-stimulated adipose cells activated endothelial cells, suggesting a systemic functional relevance of our findings. Neutralising antibodies against CD40L attenuated these effects substantially. Signalling studies revealed the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases and NFκB. Furthermore, stimulation with CD40L resulted in enhanced activation of C/EBPα and PPARγ and promoted adipogenesis of preadipose cells in the presence and absence of standard adipogenic conditions. Finally, patients suffering from the metabolic syndrome with high levels of sCD40L also displayed high levels of IL-6, in line with the concept that CD40L may induce the expression of inflammatory cytokines in vivo in this population. Our data reveal potent metabolic functions of CD40L aside from its known pivotal pro-inflammatory role within plaques. Our data suggest that CD40L may mediate risk at the interface of metabolic and atherothrombotic disease.
Stem cell and progenitor cell therapy in peripheral artery disease
Authors: Bramlage Peter , Amann Berthold , Lawall Holger
Published: February 2010

Atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common manifestation of atherosclerosis. The occlusion of large limb arteries leads to ischaemia with claudication which can progress to critical limb ischaemia (CLI) with pain at rest, and to tissue loss. At present, common therapy for CLI is either surgical or endovascular revascularisation aimed at improving blood flow to the affected extremity. However, major amputation and death are still frequent complications. Exploring new strategies for revascularisation of ischaemic limbs is thus of major importance. Bone marrow (BM)-derived stem and progenitor cells have been identified as a potential new therapeutic option to induce therapeutic angiogenesis. Encouraging results of preclinical studies have rapidly led to several small clinical trials, in which BM-derived mononuclear cells were administered to patients with limb ischaemia. Clinical benefits were reported from these trials including improvement of ankle-brachial index (ABI), transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (TcPO2), re-duction of pain, and decreased need for amputation. Nonetheless, large randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies are necessary and currently ongoing (BONMOT-CLI, JUVENTUS and NCT00498069). Further research relates to the optimal cell type and dosage, the isolation method, the role of colony-stimulating factors, administration route, and the supportive stimulation of cells with reduced functioning due to advanced PAD. Autologous stem cell therapy for ischaemic peripheral disease seems to be a promising new tool for the treatment of severe limb ischaemia. Preliminary evidence has established its safety, feasibility and effectiveness on several important endpoints. Several large endpoints studies are underway to further consolidate this evidence.
Ultrastructure and Regulation of Lateralized Connexin43 in the Failing Heart
Authors: Hesketh Geoffrey G. , Shah Manish H. , Halperin Victoria L. , Cooke Carol A. , Akar Fadi G. , Yen Timothy E. , Kass David A. , Machamer Carolyn E. , Van Eyk Jennifer E. , Tomaselli Gordon F.
Published: February 2010

Rationale
:

Gap junctions mediate cell-to-cell electric coupling of cardiomyocytes. The primary gap junction protein in the working myocardium, connexin43 (Cx43), exhibits increased localization at the lateral membranes of cardiomyocytes in a variety of heart diseases, although the precise location and function of this population is unknown.

Objective
:

To define the subcellular location of lateralized gap junctions at the light and electron microscopic level, and further characterize the biochemical regulation of gap junction turnover.

Methods and Results
:

By electron microscopy, we characterized gap junctions formed between cardiomyocyte lateral membranes in failing canine ventricular myocardium. These gap junctions were varied in structure and appeared to be extensively internalizing. Internalized gap junctions were incorporated into multilamellar membrane structures, with features characteristic of autophagosomes. Intracellular Cx43 extensively colocalized with the autophagosome marker GFP-LC3 when both proteins were exogenously expressed in HeLa cells, and endogenous Cx43 colocalized with GFP-LC3 in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. Furthermore, a distinct phosphorylated form of Cx43, as well as the autophagosome-targeted form of LC3 (microtubule-associated protein light chain 3) targeted to lipid rafts in cardiac tissue, and both were increased in heart failure.

Conclusions
:

Our data demonstrate a previously unrecognized pathway of gap junction internalization and degradation in the heart and identify a cellular pathway with potential therapeutic implications.
Short Communication: Subcellular Motion Compensation for Minimally Invasive Microscopy, In Vivo
Authors: Schroeder James L. , Luger-Hamer Merav , Pursley Randall , Pohida Tom , Chefd'Hotel Chris , Kellman Peter , Balaban Robert S.
Published: February 2010

Rationale
:

In vivo microscopy seeks to observe dynamic subcellular processes in a physiologically relevant context. A primary limitation of optical microscopy in vivo is tissue motion, which prevents physiological time course observations or image averaging.

Objective
:

To develop and demonstrate motion compensation methods that can automatically track image planes within biological tissues, including the tissue displacements associated with large changes in blood flow, and to evaluate the effect of global hypoxia on the regional kinetics and steady state levels of mitochondrial NAD(P)H.

Methods and Results
:

A dynamic optical microscope, with real-time prospective tracking and retrospective image processing, was used collect high-resolution images through cellular responses to various perturbations. The subcellular metabolic response to hypoxia was examined in vivo. Mitochondria closest to the capillaries were significantly more oxidized at rest (67±3%) than the intrafibrillar mitochondria (83±3%;
P
<0.0001) in the same cell.

Conclusions
:

These data are consistent with the hypothesis that a significant oxygen gradient from capillary to muscle core exists at rest, thereby reducing the oxidative load on the muscle cell.
Premature Ventricular Complexes and the Risk of Incident Stroke
Authors: Agarwal Sunil K. , Heiss Gerardo , Rautaharju Pentti M. , Shahar Eyal , Massing Mark W. , Simpson Ross J.
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose—

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) on a 2-minute electrocardiogram are a common, largely asymptomatic finding associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and death. They may reflect atherosclerosis or other pathogenic pathways that predispose to arrhythmias and stroke.

Methods—

We conducted a prospective evaluation of the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study cohort (n=14 783) of middle-aged men and women to assess whether the presence of PVCs at study baseline (1987 to 1989) influenced the risk of incident stroke through December 31, 2004.

Results—

PVCs were seen in 6.1% of the participants at baseline, and 729 (4.9%) had incident stroke. The unadjusted cumulative proportion of incident stroke in individuals with any PVC was 6.6% compared with 4.1% in those without PVC. The unadjusted hazard ratio of incident stroke in individuals with any PVC compared with those without any PVCs was 1.71 (95% CI, 1.33 to 2.20). Among individuals without hypertension and diabetes at baseline, PVCs were independently associated with incident stroke (hazard ratio: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.14 to 2.59). Among those with either diabetes or hypertension, the presence of any PVCs did not increase the risk of stroke. The association was stronger for noncarotid embolic stroke than for thrombotic stroke and its magnitude increased with higher frequency of PVCs.

Conclusions—

Frequent PVCs are associated with risk of incident stroke in participants free of hypertension and diabetes. This suggests that PVCs may contribute to atrioventricular remodeling or may be a risk marker for incident stroke, particularly embolic stroke.
Retinal Microvascular Signs May Provide Clues to the Underlying Vasculopathy in Patients With Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Baker Michelle L. , Hand Peter J. , Liew Gerald , Wong Tien Y. , Rochtchina Elena , Mitchell Paul , Lindley Richard I. , Hankey Graeme J. , Wang Jie Jin ,   the Multi-Centre Retinal Stroke Study Group
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose—

Deep intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and lacunar infarcts are the result of small vessel disease, whereas nonlacunar infarcts are often caused by large artery atherosclerosis or cardiac embolism. We hypothesized that patients with deep ICH and lacunar infarcts have similar retinal microvascular signs and that these differ from those seen in patients with nonlacunar infarcts.

Methods—

We studied patients with acute stroke and classified their stroke as deep ICH, lacunar infarction, or nonlacunar infarction. In a masked fashion we assessed retinal photographs for quantitative and qualitative evidence of microvascular damage.

Results—

We recruited 630 patients (51 had deep ICH, 93 had lacunar infarction, and 486 had nonlacunar infarction). Patients with deep ICH were more likely than those with nonlacunar infarcts to have severe focal narrowing of the retinal arterioles (OR, 3.7), severe arteriovenous nicking (OR, 2.6), and quantitatively narrower retinal arterioles and wider retinal venules. Retinal microvascular signs were similar in patients with deep ICH and lacunar infarction.

Conclusions—

Patients with deep ICH and lacunar infarcts are more likely than patients with nonlacunar infarcts to have signs indicating hypertensive damage in the retinal arteriolar wall.
Emergency Physician and Stroke Specialist Beliefs and Expectations Regarding Telestroke
Authors: Moskowitz Ari , Chan Yu-Feng Yvonne , Bruns John , Levine Steven R.
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose—

Telestroke has been effective in the management of acute ischemic stroke. This study characterizes and compares stroke specialist (SS) and emergency physician (EP) perceptions of telestroke and identifies barriers preventing increased implementation.

Methods—

A survey was developed and distributed nationwide to 382 SSs through an online survey system and in paper form to 226 EPs attending the 2008 American College of Emergency Physicians national conference.

Results—

Stroke specialists perceived themselves to be more knowledgeable about telemedicine and telestroke (
P
<0.001 and
P
=0.010, respectively). A large majority of physicians in both specialties either strongly agreed or agreed that telestroke will reduce geographical differences in stroke management and that it is superior to telephone consultation. EPs perceived patient preference (
P
<0.001), recombinant tissue plasminogen activator side effects (
P
<0.001), level of technology (
P
=0.005), and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator not the standard of care (
P
<0.001) to be more significant obstacles to increased implementation of telestroke than SSs. However, SSs found increased personal work to be a greater barrier than EPs (
P
<0.001).

Conclusion—

SSs and EPs report positive beliefs regarding telestroke; however, perceived obstacles exist to implementation. Differences between barriers perceived by EPs and SSs need to be addressed to enhance acute ischemic stroke treatment.
Internet Connectivity, Community Participation, and Place Attachment: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Mesch Gustavo S. , Talmud Ilan
Published: February 2010

The effect of Internet connectivity on social involvement, civic participation, and community sentiments has recently received research attention. Mostly, previous studies have been limited in that they did not account for the mechanism that might link Internet connectivity and community participation.This study uses a longitudinal design to examine the effects of Internet connectivity and participation in a local electronic bulletin board on local community involvement and participation. It is hypothesized that Internet connectivity affects community involvement and positive sentiments attached to the locale. Data from a longitudinal survey of two suburban communities in Israel are used to test the hypothesis. The results show that Internet connectivity and attitudes toward technology provide more channels for local civic participation. But, it is the active participation in locally based electronic forums over and above other forms of social capital (such as face-to-face neighborhood meetings, talking with friends, and membership in local organizations) that is associated with multiple measures of community participation. The formation and active participation in local community electronic networks not only adds but also amplifies civic participation and elevated sense of community attachment.
Technology Adoption and Use in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans
Authors: Shklovski Irina , Burke Moira , Kiesler Sara , Kraut Robert
Published: February 2010

Disasters are threatening and highly dynamic situations, marked by high levels of information need and low levels of information availability. Advances in communication technologies have given people more ways to seek information and communicate—a redundancy that can help people cope with disaster situations and support subsequent recovery. This article presents results from a longitudinal study of New Orleans musicians in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The authors found that in the immediate aftermath, musicians used cell phones and the Internet to locate family and friends and obtain information unavailable in broadcast news reports. Seeking and redistributing information resulted in the creation or discovery of online spaces that became virtual instantiations of the physical environments from which the musicians were barred. For those who had to leave New Orleans, these online spaces helped them maintain connection with their local communities. As recovery continued, many musicians discontinued or adjusted their use of technologies that did not fit the cultural and social context of their everyday lives. Those who returned to New Orleans focused their energies on rebuilding, often eschewing mediated communication for New Orleans—style in-person interaction. Those who remained away found that digital connections to the New Orleans community were insufficient to maintain a sense of belonging.
Personal Insolvency in England and Wales: A Spatial Analysis
Authors: Bishop Paul , Gripaios Peter
Published: February 2010

Personal insolvency rates vary considerably across local areas of England and Wales but the reasons for this have barely been explored. This paper presents an empirical study of the factors determining variations in personal insolvency rates in 2006 utilising newly available data. The results suggest that a number of economic and demographic factors are important including income, social benefits, age, occupation, public-sector and armed forces employment and level of local entrepreneurship. Significant spatial autocorrelation is evident in the dataset and three sub-regional clusters of local authorities are identified; one in the South West is characterised by adjacent areas with a high insolvency rate and two others in Wales and the North West that are characterised by low insolvency rates.
Adolescent Mothers’ Perceptions of the Coparenting Relationship With Their Child’s Father: A Function of Attachment Security and Trust
Authors: Sheftall Arielle H. , Schoppe-Sullivan Sarah J. , Futris Ted G.
Published: February 2010

This study used data from 75 adolescent mothers to examine relations among adolescent mothers’ attachment avoidance and anxiety, their ability to trust their child’s father, and their perceptions of the quality of their coparenting relationship with their child’s father. Results suggest that mothers with lower avoidance had more trust for their child’s father and also had coparenting relationships characterized by less conflict and a stronger parenting alliance. Moreover, trust mediated the associations between mother’s avoidance and coparenting quality. In contrast, mothers’ attachment anxiety was not associated with trust for their child’s father or their perceptions of coparenting relationship quality. This study provides evidence that adolescent mothers’ relationship histories may play an important role in the quality of the coparenting relationship they have with their child’s father.
Change and Process in Short and Long-term Groups for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Authors: Valerio Paola , Lepper Georgia
Published: February 2010

The link between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and psychiatric disorders in adulthood is well documented. Because much CSA is enshrouded in secrecy, group work is often recommended as a method of treatment. While studies show good outcomes in short-term groups, there are fewer studies of long-term analytic groups for survivors of CSA. This study compares outcomes in long and short-term groups and explores the findings through analysis of the process of one long-term group.
Deciding as bringing deliberation to a close
Authors: Urfalino Philippe
Published: February 2010

The notion of decision is almost never defined with precision and often assimilated to the notion of choice. This article defines deciding as bringing deliberation to a close, on the basis of two characteristics: deciding puts an end to deliberation rather than constituting the end produced by deliberation; and decision obligates. In the light of this definition, it first examines the difference between individual and collective decisions, then the rules of collective decision as stopping rules.
Social Validity’s Presence in Field-Based Reading Intervention Research
Authors: Lindo Endia J. , Elleman Amy M.
Published: February 2010

Social validity refers to participants’ perceptions regarding the goals, procedures, and effects of a practice. The collection and report of social validity data can serve an important role in understanding, and possibly remedying, obstacles affecting the successful adoption of empirically based practices by the field. Studies published between 2000 and 2006 were reviewed to provide a snapshot of the amount of social validity data reported on reading interventions. Results indicate that experimental research is scarce and that feedback from teachers and students is often not reported.
Determinants of job insecurity in five European countries
Authors: Muñoz de Bustillo Rafael , de Pedraza Pablo
Published: February 2010

This article studies the determinants of subjective job insecurity in five European countries (Belgium, Finland, Germany, Spain and The Netherlands), using data from the WageIndicator web survey. The impact of different variables is estimated using logistic regression.The analysis shows that differences in subjective job insecurity of women are explained by their objective situation in the labour market. In contrast, subjective insecurity increases with age; education reduces job insecurity, as do wages, except at very high wage levels; having a temporary — but not — a part-time — contract contributes to insecurity, which points to the different nature of the two types of contract.
Emotional Responses to the Speed, Frequency and Timing of Organizational Change
Authors: Smollan Roy K. , Sayers Janet G. , Matheny Jonathan A.
Published: February 2010

This article reports on a qualitative study which investigates the role of time in the emotions experienced during organizational change. Whereas much empirical research on emotions and time has been conducted in highly controlled experimental settings, this study discusses subjects’ emotional experiences during real-life change events related to three temporal dimensions: speed, frequency and timing. Three themes emerge from our findings: the relationship between time, major change and negative emotion; the relationship between time and perception of control; and other factors such as fairness, disposition and emotional intelligence. This study’s contribution is to focus specifically on time, emotion and change in real-world contexts, and to derive implications for managing change and for future research based on social theories recognizing time’s subjective nature.
Using Informance to Educate Parents and Demonstrate the Music Learning Process
Authors: Nowmos Christine M.
Published: February 2010

Informances, informal and informative presentations of student learning that emphasize the learning process, provide an alternative to traditional concerts or programs, which may take general music classroom time away from activities not geared toward a specific performance. Informances are an excellent means of communicating educational objectives to parents and sharing what and how students learn, which is not always possible through a traditional concert. This article discusses reasons why an informance may be, especially for very young students, a more appropriate format than a traditional concert, gives examples of various types of informances, and describes parent reactions to informances.
A Palliative Care Approach in Treating Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Using Exchange Transfusion
Authors: Navaid Musharraf , Melvin Terry
Published: February 2010

The authors present a case report of an adult patient with sickle cell disease (SCD), who required frequent hospitalizations for sickle cell vaso-occlusive painful crisis as well as management of complications that resulted from treatment. The patient demonstrated clinical improvement after initiating palliative exchange transfusions of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) once every 4 weeks. They also promptly addressed their physical and psychosocial issues of care. The author described that because the patient was started on chronic exchange transfusions, there was a significant decrease in hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits. They saw a major improvement in the quality of life of this patient. The review of medical literature did not reveal any clear-cut guidelines for palliative chronic exchange transfusion for painful vaso-occlusive crisis in adult patients. This case review highlights the usefulness of this palliative model of care. The burden and benefits of chronic exchange transfusion always need to be weighed carefully.
Stability of Delay Equations Written as State Space Models
Authors: Mann B.P. , Patel B.R.
Published: February 2010

In this paper we describe a new approach to examine the stability of delay differential equations that builds upon prior work using temporal finite element analysis. In contrast to previous analyses, which could only be applied to second-order delay differential equations, the present manuscript develops an approach which can be applied to a broader class of systems: systems that may be written in the form of a state space model. A primary outcome from this work is a generalized framework to investigate the asymptotic stability of autonomous delay differential equations with a single time delay. Furthermore, this approach is shown to be applicable to time-periodic delay differential equations and equations that are piecewise continuous.
Stability Analysis of Oscillatory Systems Subject to Large Delays: A Synchronization Point of View
Authors: Michiels Wim
Published: February 2010

The behavior of the rightmost characteristic roots of linear time-delay systems as a function of the delay parameter is studied for small values of a gain parameter. The results explain the qualitative behavior of the stability regions in the delay parameter space of oscillatory systems subjected to large delays, and shed new light on the corresponding stabilization problem. In particular, for a chain of multiple oscillators the determination of a stabilizing value of the delay parameter is interpreted as a phase synchronization problem. The results are illustrated with the output feedback stabilization of an oscillator and the stability analysis of a gyroscopic system.
New(s) functions for the mobile: a cross-cultural study
Authors: Westlund Oscar
Published: February 2010

In recent years the mobile phone has evolved from essentially an interpersonal communication device to a multimedia machine providing always-on internet connection. However, actual use of mobile internet, including functions such as news services, has been slow in most countries. This article focuses on questions related to usability and cost for using the mobile as a news medium, drawing upon cross-cultural data gathered in Sweden and Japan during fall 2007. Although Japan and Sweden have superficially equivalent news media systems, the Japanese more favourably perceive the usefulness of accessing news on the mobile than do Swedes. However, the Japanese judge mobile news as more expensive and are less willing to pay for it. In reporting on this research, the article illustrates some of the methodological challenges in doing cross-cultural comparisons.
ALL-associated JAK1 mutations confer hypersensitivity to the antiproliferative effect of type I interferon
Authors: Hornakova Tekla , Chiaretti Sabina , Lemaire Muriel M. , Foà Robin , Ben Abdelali Raouf , Asnafi Vahid , Tartaglia Marco , Renauld Jean-Christophe , Knoops Laurent
Published: February 2010

Activating mutations in JAK1 have been reported in acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALLs). In this study, we found a type I interferon (IFN) transcriptional signature in JAK1 mutation-positive human ALL samples. This signature was recapitulated in vitro by the expression of JAK1 mutants in BW5147 and BaF3 hematopoietic cell lines. Binding of JAK1 to the IFN receptor was essential because mutations in the FERM domain abrogated this effect. Beside the constitutive activation of the type I IFN signaling cascade, JAK1 mutations also strongly potentiated the response to IFN in vitro. Typically, the proliferation of cell lines expressing JAK1A634D was abrogated by type I IFNs. Interestingly, we found that different JAK1 mutations differentially potentiate responses to type I IFNs or to interleukin-9, another cytokine using JAK1 to mediate its effects. This suggests that the type of mutation influences the specificity of the effect on distinct cytokine receptor signaling. Finally, we also showed in an in vivo leukemia model that cells expressing JAK1A634D are hypersensitive to the antiproliferative and antitumorigenic effect of type I IFN, suggesting that type I IFNs should be considered as a potential therapy for ALL with JAK1-activating mutations.
Structural classification by the Lipase Engineering Database: a case study of Candida antarctica lipase A
Authors: Widmann Michael , Juhl P Benjamin , Pleiss Jürgen
Published: February 2010

Background

The Lipase Engineering Database (LED) integrates information on sequence, structure and function of lipases, esterases and related proteins with the α/β hydrolase fold. A new superfamily for Candida antarctica lipase A (CALA) was introduced including the recently published crystal structure of CALA. Since CALA has a highly divergent sequence in comparison to other α/β hydrolases, the Lipase Engineering Database was used to classify CALA in the frame of the already established classification system. This involved the comparison of CALA to similar structures as well as sequence-based comparisons against the content of the LED.

Results

The new release 3.0 (December 2009) of the Lipase Engineering Database contains 24783 sequence entries for 18585 proteins as well as 656 experimentally determined protein structures, including the structure of CALA. In comparison to the previous release [1] with 4322 protein and 167 structure entries this update represents a significant increase in data volume. By comparing CALA to representative structures from all superfamilies, a structure from the deacetylase superfamily was found to be most similar to the structure of CALA. While the α/β hydrolase fold is conserved in both proteins, the major difference is found in the cap region. Sequence alignments between both proteins show a sequence similarity of only 15%. A multisequence alignment of both protein families was used to create hidden Markov models for the cap region of CALA and showed that the cap region of CALA is unique among all other proteins of the α/β hydrolase fold. By specifically comparing the substrate binding pocket of CALA to other binding pockets of α/β hydrolases, the binding pocket of Candida rugosa lipase was identified as being highly similar. This similarity also applied to the lid of Candida rugosa lipase in comparison to the potential lid of CALA.

Conclusion

The LED serves as a valuable tool for the systematic analysis of single proteins or protein families. The updated release 3.0 was used for the evaluation of α/β hydrolases. The HTML version of the database with new features is available at http://www.led.uni-stuttgart.de and provides sequences, structures and a set of analysis tools including phylogenetic trees and HMM profiles
Waist circumference cut-off values for the prediction of cardiovascular risk factors clustering in Chinese school-aged children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Ailing , Hills Andrew P , Hu Xiaoqi , Li Yanping , Du Lin , Xu Ying , Byrne Nuala M , Ma Guansheng
Published: February 2010

Background

Waist circumference has been identified as a valuable predictor of cardiovascular risk in children. The development of waist circumference percentiles and cut-offs for various ethnic groups are necessary because of differences in body composition. The purpose of this study was to develop waist circumference percentiles for Chinese children and to explore optimal waist circumference cut-off values for predicting cardiovascular risk factors clustering in this population.

Methods

Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured in 5529 children (2830 boys and 2699 girls) aged 6-12 years randomly selected from southern and northern China. Blood pressure, fasting triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose were obtained in a subsample (n = 1845). Smoothed percentile curves were produced using the LMS method. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to derive the optimal age- and gender-specific waist circumference thresholds for predicting the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Gender-specific waist circumference percentiles were constructed. The waist circumference thresholds were at the 90th and 84th percentiles for Chinese boys and girls respectively, with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 67% to 83%. The odds ratio of a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors among boys and girls with a higher value than cut-off points was 10.349 (95% confidence interval 4.466 to 23.979) and 8.084 (95% confidence interval 3.147 to 20.767) compared with their counterparts.

Conclusions

Percentile curves for waist circumference of Chinese children are provided. The cut-off point for waist circumference to predict cardiovascular risk factors clustering is at the 90th and 84th percentiles for Chinese boys and girls, respectively.
A novel fed-batch based cultivation method provides high cell-density and improves yield of soluble recombinant proteins in shaken cultures
Authors: Krause Mirja , Ukkonen Kaisa , Haataja Tatu , Ruottinen Maria , Glumoff Tuomo , Neubauer Antje , Neubauer Peter , Vasala Antti
Published: February 2010

Background

Cultivations for recombinant protein production in shake flasks should provide high cell densities, high protein productivity per cell and good protein quality. The methods described in laboratory handbooks often fail to reach these goals due to oxygen depletion, lack of pH control and the necessity to use low induction cell densities. In this article we describe the impact of a novel enzymatically controlled fed-batch cultivation technology on recombinant protein production in Escherichia coli in simple shaken cultures.

Results

The enzymatic glucose release system together with a well-balanced combination of mineral salts and complex medium additives provided high cell densities, high protein yields and a considerably improved proportion of soluble proteins in harvested cells. The cultivation method consists of three steps: 1) controlled growth by glucose-limited fed-batch to OD600 ~10, 2) addition of growth boosters together with an inducer providing efficient protein synthesis within a 3 to 6 hours period, and 3) a slow growth period (16 to 21 hours) during which the recombinant protein is slowly synthesized and folded. Cell densities corresponding to 10 to 15 g l-1 cell dry weight could be achieved with the developed technique. In comparison to standard cultures in LB, Terrific Broth and mineral salt medium, we typically achieved over 10-fold higher volumetric yields of soluble recombinant proteins.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that by applying the novel EnBase® Flo cultivation system in shaken cultures high cell densities can be obtained without impairing the productivity per cell. Especially the yield of soluble (correctly folded) proteins was significantly improved in comparison to commonly used LB, Terrific Broth or mineral salt media. This improvement is thought to result from a well controlled physiological state during the whole process. The higher volumetric yields enable the use of lower culture volumes and can thus significantly reduce the amount of time and effort needed for downstream processing or process optimization. We claim that the new cultivation system is widely applicable and, as it is very simple to apply, could widely replace standard shake flask approaches.